Identity in a Changing World: ForgeRock Shares 2022 Predictions

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As 2021 comes to a close, it’s natural to reflect on what shaped the world we live in and what it means moving forward. In the last year, we saw continued strain on the way we manage our lives caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, cyberattacks continued at a relentless pace, and policies designed to thwart attackers reached the top of the agenda inside the Biden administration with the release of the Cyber Security Executive Order. Despite the dynamic landscape, one constant remains as we approach 2022: the need to help people simply and safely access the connected world. Hear from six of our top identity experts on what to expect in the year ahead of us.

Eve Maler, Chief Technology Officer: Beyond Passwordless Authentication 

In the coming year, we will see the first new standards and guidelines for “deep” passwordless authentication, involving no memorized secrets whatsoever. But with increased consumer usage of passwordless authentication methods, we will face challenges once “solved” by sharing passwords. One such problem is securely delegating bank account and healthcare record access to family members and caregivers.

As soon as you solve your top problem, your next problem rises to the surface. The need for innovation to address these issues will continue into 2022 and beyond.

Mary Writz, VP of Product Management: Ransomware: We Can't Let Our Guard Down 

Ransomware was featured prominently in the headlines in 2021, and it’s not going away. The best approach to protecting your organization is to step up your best practices: good security hygiene, updated planning for emergency scenarios, and solid control over digital identity systems.

David Burden, Chief Information Officer: Combating the "I Quit" Culture 

Several needs will become more apparent in 2022: securing your enterprise for transient and hybrid workers, dealing with employee attrition, and the heavy churn caused by employee turnover. Everyone’s IT departments will need resources to on- and off-board employees while maintaining a high service level and a secure environment. Your business will require a stronger partnership than ever between the back office, HR, and legal, to manage physical access, reporting, employee engagement, contact tracing, and hot-desking. Legislation regarding remote work and a hybrid workforce is a distinct possibility, and such legislation will have a significant impact on IT priorities.

To stay ahead of the “I quit” trend, focus more on virtualized desktop environments to empower remote workforces while simultaneously securing online environments. More highly automated patching solutions can enable you to deploy secure updates to those working remotely. 

A workforce that is physically dispersed and may never have met face to face will inevitably lead  to a higher risk of social engineering attacks. Expect to spend more effort on technology, training, and strong identity authentication solutions to mitigate this risk.

Allan Foster, Chief Evangelist: Government Services Cross the Digital Divide 

In 2022, we will start seeing more and more public sector-sponsored IDs used across both public and private sectors. Smart devices will become the ubiquitous identity solution in the Western world, making the digital divide between Western and emerging societies even wider.

Ben Goodman, Senior Vice President of Corporate and Business Development: Plan for Ubiquitous Identity Proofing and Verification 

Know your customer (KYC) technology, long a regulatory requirement for financial institutions, will become pervasive when registering for accounts of all types. A variety of newly available tools makes it inexpensive and relatively frictionless to identify an end user definitively. Consider the immense value to your organization when you truly know who is at the other end of your service. Both improving user experience and providing better information security start with this verification.

Gerhard Zehethofer, Vice President of IoT and Technology Partnerships: Hybrid Retail Emerges  

Consumers are eager to get back into stores, but in 2022, they will expect the best of both worlds: access to online and offline retail. While consumers will enjoy the in-store experience, they will also expect the convenience of online shopping. These conveniences include a broader range of shopping services to enhance their experience when they set foot in the brick-and-mortar store. Consumers want to be able to check product availability before even arriving at the store, be guided to the product(s) they’re looking for when entering, and select their preferred fulfillment channel. Retailers should keep all of this in mind to create the best hybrid consumer experiences.

The year 2022 promises to be filled with more change as the business community confronts social, technological, and policy changes. We hope our predictions inspire you to respond to each new digital identity challenge with confidence, flexibility, and innovation.