Fareportal’s recent decision to adopt the CyberArk Identity Security Platform marks a significant step in enhancing its cybersecurity management, mitigating risks, and improving privileged access control and visibility. As a travel technology company, Fareportal is responsible for facilitating over 500 million site visits monthly for customers keen on finding affordable, high-quality travel experiences. Recognizing the increasing complexity in managing privileged access, particularly with over 100 users spread across the United States and India, Fareportal aimed to streamline its onboarding processes and bolster password practices to comply with ISO 27001 and PCI DSS standards.
Challenges in Privileged Access Management
Complexity with Over 100 Users
One of the main challenges Fareportal faced was the escalating complexity in managing privileged access for its extensive user base, spanning both the United States and India. The company’s infrastructure is predominantly on-premises, though it also utilizes some cloud-hosted virtual machines for SaaS products. As management of privileged access became more challenging, especially with the addition of new users, Fareportal sought solutions to streamline its operations. The need for a cohesive and efficient approach to onboarding, coupled with stringent compliance requirements, necessitated a robust security framework.
The shift to a hybrid working environment spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated these efforts. Fareportal needed a comprehensive identity security approach to address the unique challenges posed by remote work. Traditional methods of managing privileged access were cumbersome and prone to errors, often involving manually overseeing multiple privileged user accounts with inconsistent password recycling practices. This not only created security vulnerabilities but also led to inefficiencies that hampered the company’s overall performance.
The Search for a Solution
In the quest for a more efficient and secure system, Fareportal assessed various options before deciding on the CyberArk Privileged Access Manager. The CyberArk platform stood out due to its ability to map all privileged accounts to the existing corporate user directory, thereby streamlining the access process. This solution enabled privileged users to access their accounts using their corporate IDs, eliminating the need for juggling multiple identities. By automating the rotation and hiding of credentials and passwords, CyberArk significantly enhanced the company’s security posture.
The transition to CyberArk allowed Fareportal to solve its immediate challenges and laid the groundwork for long-term improvements in cybersecurity management. This strategic shift led to a more cohesive system that facilitated better oversight and control of privileged access, pivotal in ensuring compliance with international standards such as ISO 27001 and PCI DSS. Moreover, the seamless integration of CyberArk into Fareportal’s existing infrastructure underscored the platform’s versatility and effectiveness in diverse operational environments.
Impact of CyberArk Implementation
Efficiency and Compliance
The deployment of CyberArk Privileged Access Manager has led to a remarkable 60% improvement in cybersecurity management efficiencies at Fareportal. This enhancement was not only in terms of time saved but also in the simplification of regulatory compliance processes. By streamlining audit and reporting activities, Fareportal can now ensure that its security policies and practices are in full alignment with external standards. Pooja Bansal, the Director of Information Security, highlighted that the previous manual management of multiple privileged user accounts, along with the use of shared passwords across various domains, posed significant security risks.
With CyberArk, Fareportal achieved clear visibility into privileged access, enabling the company to monitor and control this access more effectively. The platform’s capability to automatically rotate passwords diminished the chances of password-related vulnerabilities, thereby strengthening the overall security framework. The newfound efficiency allowed Fareportal to allocate resources more effectively, focusing on delivering high-value customer service and enhancing the travel experience for its users.
Strategic Advantages
The strategic implementation of CyberArk reflects Fareportal’s broader commitment to adopting advanced security measures, signaling a proactive approach to safeguarding operations and customer data. The company’s experience with CyberArk is indicative of a wider trend among organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity postures in response to evolving threats. The transition not only addressed Fareportal’s immediate security needs but also positioned the company well for future challenges in the rapidly changing digital landscape.
Moreover, the integration of a robust identity security strategy is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses operating in hybrid work environments. The accelerated digital transformation prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of adaptable and scalable security solutions. Fareportal’s proactive steps in adopting CyberArk are a testament to the significance of staying ahead of potential vulnerabilities, ensuring that both operational efficacy and customer trust are maintained.
Broader Implications for the Industry
Trends in Cybersecurity Investments
Fareportal’s initiative to bolster its cybersecurity framework through CyberArk highlights the growing trend of organizations investing in advanced security solutions. As digital threats become more sophisticated, businesses across various sectors are recognizing the necessity of comprehensive identity security strategies. These strategies are not only essential for mitigating risks but also for achieving regulatory compliance and maintaining customer trust. The case of Fareportal serves as a pertinent example of how forward-thinking companies can leverage technology to enhance security and drive operational efficiencies.
The focus on stringent compliance standards such as ISO 27001 and PCI DSS further accentuates the need for robust security frameworks. Companies that prioritize adherence to these standards are better positioned to meet industry expectations and protect sensitive data. The move towards automated and integrated security solutions, as demonstrated by Fareportal’s use of CyberArk, is indicative of the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Such solutions offer significant advantages in terms of scalability, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Future Outlook
Fareportal has recently made the strategic decision to implement the CyberArk Identity Security Platform, a move that significantly enhances its cybersecurity measures, mitigates risks, and improves both privileged access control and overall visibility. This is a pivotal development for Fareportal, a travel technology company that facilitates over 500 million site visits each month, helping customers find affordable and high-quality travel options. The increasing complexity of managing privileged access, especially with a workforce of over 100 users distributed across the United States and India, drove Fareportal to seek a more streamlined onboarding process and stronger password management practices. The adoption of CyberArk’s platform helps Fareportal align with stringent ISO 27001 and PCI DSS standards, ensuring a higher level of security and compliance. By integrating this platform, Fareportal not only strengthens its cybersecurity posture but also improves operational efficiency, safeguarding both its customers and its business.
