Building an Identity Security Program

Identity security is critical for remote work, but many organizations struggle to know what’s required for an effective identity security program. In this handbook, you’ll find advice on the most important areas of identity security, including user management, access management, authentication, and identity threat detection and response. Use this guide as your go-to source for building and maintaining an identity security program that works—no matter the size of your organization.

Building an Identity Security Program

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • Practical methods and guidance to help you implement your program

  • What the business drivers are for investing in identity security

  • The four pillars of identity security and how you can use them

Who is this guide for?

  • CISOs

  • IT/security leaders

  • Decision-makers in the security space

Two people looking at computer and working together on a task

Because identity-based attacks are often invisible to network or endpoint controls, continuous risk assessment and strong access management are imperative to succeeding in today's threat environment.

Matt Caulfield

VP of Product Identity, Cisco

Cisco logo

Cisco Systems is a 2026 Customers’ Choice for the “User Authentication” market on Gartner Peer Insights ™ based on reviews submitted for Cisco Systems for Cisco Duo*

Sample image

Live Demo: Defend with Duo

See Duo in action by joining our live demo and Q&A session and learn how Duo helps verify user identity, manage devices, and adapt and enforce security policy.

Plus, get a FREE pair of sunglasses for attending!

Sample image

* Gartner, Voice of the Customer for User Authentication, Peer Community Contributors, 22 January 2026.
Gartner, Peer Insights, and Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice Badge are trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences with the vendors listed on the platform, should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.