1Password, the Toronto-based leader in identity security, has unveiled its Extended Access Management solution, marking a significant advancement in the cyber security sphere. This innovative product is set to reshape how businesses manage and secure employee access across both managed and unmanaged applications and devices. The launch is timely, considering the company’s recent milestone of serving over 150,000 business customers, including high-profile names such as Alteryx, Atari, and the Golden State Warriors.

In the modern hybrid and remote workplace, the traditional boundaries of IT security are being continuously pushed and challenged. Employees often use personal devices and unsanctioned apps to enhance their productivity, a practice known as “shadow IT,” which has become increasingly commonplace. According to recent statistics, one-third of employees use unapproved tools, while 79% of security professionals feel their existing protections are inadequate. This scenario generates significant security vulnerabilities as sensitive data could potentially flow into unmanaged applications, or compromised devices could gain access to critical applications.

1Password’s Extended Access Management solution addresses these challenges by bridging the critical gaps between Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Mobile Device Management (MDM). Jeff Shiner, CEO of 1Password, explains that conventional security tools have not evolved sufficiently to mesh with the new work environment, which often leads to the Access Trust Gap — a metric that reflects the percentage of sign-ins that are not trusted. The wider this gap, the greater the risk of data breaches.

The newly introduced security suite by 1Password is tailored to tighten this gap and provides a robust framework that secures every sign-in — whether the application or device is managed or not. The solution offers several key features designed to enhance security across an organization’s digital landscape:

  1. Device Trust: This feature ensures real-time monitoring of device health. It helps identify and rectify compliance issues on not just company-owned devices but also personal and contractor devices.

  2. User Identity: Scheduled for beta release in fall 2024, this component will handle all aspects of user identity management from initial provisioning to final offboarding.

  3. Application Visibility: Also set for a beta release in fall 2024, this feature grants IT and security teams insight into the use of unmanaged apps within their organization, thus transforming unknown entities into managed applications.

  4. Enterprise Password Management: As the foundation of 1Password’s offerings, this facilitates secure storage and sharing of critical information like logins and credentials.

  5. Universal Sign-On: This extends single sign-on capabilities to every application, significantly mitigating risk.

  6. Contextual Access Management: Applies policies to restrict access from compromised devices and assists users in self-remediation.

Henry Praw, Chief Information Security Officer at OpenTable, acclaimed the solution for its seamless integration and user-friendliness that comfortably aligns with the complexities of today’s workplace dynamics.

Endorsements from industry analysts further underscore the significance of this development. Nayara Sangiorgio from Gartner highlights the necessity of workforce password management tools to complement SSO deployments, while Frank Dickson of IDC emphasizes the importance of robust identity and access management systems in mitigating data breach risks.

The introduction of 1Password Extended Access Management is a substantial leap towards securing modern work environments. As businesses continue to adapt to novel work arrangements that blend personal and professional digital tools, solutions like those offered by 1Password will be crucial in maintaining secure and efficient operational practices. For more information about this groundbreaking solution, interested parties are directed to the 1Password blog.