Mark Ford: Risk, Reward, and Identity

By Bud on March 4, 2008 TrackBacks (0) Comments (3)

Just as the Internet has given rise to a whole new array of identity and access challenges, identity management systems that are designed for the Internet, like openID, may be part of the solution.

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Filed under: Ann Arbor, MI | Deloitte | Enterprise Software | Finding Gaps | IT Security | Mark Ford | Web 2.0

Mark Ford, National Leader of Deloitte's Identity and Access Management Practice, recounts how the practice has emerged over the past decade (download the 7.5 minute ipod compatible video, 39MB). One of the driving forces in its creation has been the emergence of the Internet as a daily fact of business life. Once internal and externally facing systems are opened to the Internet, they face hundreds of different permutations in having to verify identity and grant access.

Just as the Internet has given rise to a whole new array of identity and access challenges, identity management systems that are designed for the Internet, like openID, may be part of the solution. Generally, the choice of solution will be based on risk assessment that weighs the potential increase in business from open access against the financial damage a breach would bring. A good example is the credit card industry that takes on the risk of sending out unsolicited cards in order to gain business.

In future segments, we will discuss Deloitte's innovation model and trends in Internet security.

(n.b., As used in this article, "Deloitte" means Deloitte & Touche LLP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Deloitte's site (www.deloitte.com/us/about) outlines the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.)

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3 Comments

Alina Henry on March 25, 2008 1:45 PM
Dear Mr. Ford, My name is Alina Henry. I am an undergraduate student at Eastern Michigan University and I am studying business management and entrepreneurship. I will be graduating in April 2009. Your interview really grabbed my attention because I am interested in business and the internet. At the same time I have worries as I’m sure other business owners have about security issues. The internet is a form of communication that can allow businesses to stay competitive and reach customers in a way that no other form does. There is millions of dollars a year of lost business because customers don’t have access when they need it. Breaches of identity and access management can lead to millions of dollars of losses each year also. Your identity and access management program gave me a look into how a business can benefit from the internet by enhancing business productivity and protecting electronic assets. Through identity and access management the problem mentioned above can be prevented. Businesses need to be able to access information from anywhere at anytime. Having identity and access management to help stop security breaches is important. Not only do you have to worry about hackers, you have to worry about terminated employees who may still have access to the system or the hindrance of employees having to remember multiple passwords. Using OpenID can eliminate many hassles for business also. I like the idea of OpenID because simplifies and makes using the internet convenient. I was intrigued by your interview because you mention many times throughout the interview about the risk the internet has. At the same time you mention the opportunities the internet can bring. As with any business there is always the risk, but deciding if the risk rewards itself is the real question. As you mentioned credit card companies identity fraud hasn’t shut them down and with the right steps a business can protect them in the same way. Your interview has leaded me to have faith in the internet. Thanks and keep making the information superhighway secure. Sincerely, Alina Henry
Kathy Powell on March 31, 2008 6:57 PM
Hello Mr. Ford, With the emergence of the internet access management is a driving force that will help and keep people protected from breachers on the internet. Sometimes I am really skeptical about putting my information on the internet because of identity theft, breachers, etc. After hearing you explain the concept of access managment, I am a little more comfortable. Knowing that you are protected makes it easier to create user names and passwords. I am a student at Eastern Michigan University, grdauating in April 2008 with a bachelors in Management. I want to open a company one day, and start a web site to help advertise my company. You have made me more comfortable with that idea because security and privacy is very important. Kathy Powell
Kathy Powell on March 31, 2008 6:57 PM
Hello Mr. Ford, With the emergence of the internet access management is a driving force that will help and keep people protected from breachers on the internet. Sometimes I am really skeptical about putting my information on the internet because of identity theft, breachers, etc. After hearing you explain the concept of access managment, I am a little more comfortable. Knowing that you are protected makes it easier to create user names and passwords. I am a student at Eastern Michigan University, grdauating in April 2008 with a bachelors in Management. I want to open a company one day, and start a web site to help advertise my company. You have made me more comfortable with that idea because security and privacy is very important. Kathy Powell

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