Identity as a Business Asset: Strategies for Security Leaders
SC Media, Tuesday, June 16th, 2026
Identity systems are critical business assets that affect operational resilience, M&A success, and compliance-not just IT infrastructure.
Identity management has evolved from basic infrastructure into a strategic business control system whose failures can shut down entire operational divisions.
The article argues security leaders underestimate identity's value by viewing it as "plumbing" rather than recognizing its influence on operational resilience, acquisition readiness, and regulatory positioning.
Key business risks include compliance reporting delays, M&A integration complexity, critical process vulnerabilities, and vendor dependency. Mature identity programs establish defined service level commitments, maintain cross-platform visibility, document business dependencies, and demonstrate measurable value through reduced compliance costs and faster integration timelines.