Identity And Access Management

The Top 7 Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) Solutions

Explore our list of the top ITDR software solutions. Compare features including identity threat detection and monitoring, risk scoring, alerting, and continuous visibility.

Last updated on Mar 18, 2024

Written by Joel Witts

Technical review by Laura Iannini

The Top 7 Identity Threat Detection and Response Software include:

1. CrowdStrike Falcon Identity Protection
2. Microsoft Identity Threat Detection and Response
3. Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR Identity Threat Detection and Response
4. PingOne For Workforce
5. Proofpoint Identity Threat Defense
6. Semperis Directory Services Protector
7. SentinelOne Singularity Identity

Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) software protects your identity infrastructure by continuously monitors digital identities and identity systems, such as Azure and Azure AD. These systems monitor your entire identity stack through using AI systems and third-party integrations to analyze user activity. They also monitor access management logs to identify compromised accounts, suspicious user behavior, and compromised passwords.

Jim Taylor, Chief Product Officer at identity provider RSA, told Expert Insights, “It’s no longer just okay to secure the identity. We now need to secure the infrastructure of the identity platform. Identity itself needs to be threat aware. It needs to be threat responsive.” While many identity tools focus on managing and authenticating identity, IDTR solutions instead focus on the security of these systems. IDTR solutions sit alongside your existing identity stack – Identity and Access Management (IAM), Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – to provide a comprehensive platform for monitoring and responding to security risks.

Our technical research and editorial team have spent many hours researching the identity market, reviewing, and analyzing a host of leading tools. In this article, we’ll cover our selection of the top IDTR solutions on the market today, based on our own independent market research. We’ll consider their key features, technical capabilities, and market share.

The IDTR space is a relatively new category of solutions, and this article will be regularly updated as new tools come to market and existing capabilities and feature sets evolve.

CrowdStrike Falcon Identity Protection

CrowdStrike Falcon Identity Protection is an ITDR solution that is designed to detect and prevent identity-based threats in real time across your identity environment. The solution utilizes a single agent and a unified threat console to correlate threats across endpoints, workloads, identity, and data.

Falcon Identity monitors and prevents lateral identity attack movement from endpoint to cloud. It uses AI-driven user behavior baselines to identify and capture identity risks across both the authentication layer and endpoints in real time. The solution continuously monitors user behavior and risk context, enabling dynamic enforcement of multi-factor authentication when suspicious behavior is detected. It captures all identities across the enterprise and identifies weaknesses such as poor password hygiene, while correlating data across tools and improving risk scoring to lower alert fatigue.

Additional strengths of Falcon Identity Protection revolve around its efficiency. The platform consolidates multiple identity and endpoint security features into a single solution, including integrations with SOAR and SIEM tools. This consolidation improves the efficiency of response to identity threats and makes it easier for security teams to quickly find and manage identity risks before they can become a breach.

CrowdStrike Falcon Identity Protection provides unified identity protection, improving identity risk response times, increasing efficiency, and lowering the risk of breaches from stolen credentials. It offers real-time identity protection and improved risk posture, in a single comprehensive platform.

Microsoft Identity Threat Detection and Response

Microsoft offers several identity solutions enabling organizations to build a robust Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) system for identities and identity infrastructures. Microsoft ITDR solution mitigates the risk of identity attacks by offering robust identity and access management across the complete identity landscape, whether on-premises or in the cloud.

Microsoft’s ITDR suite includes Entra ID, Entra ID protection, Defender for Identity and Defender XDR. Key features of these tools include securing adaptive access, which prevents identity attacks proactively, and offering threat level intelligence. This accelerates the detection and response to cyber threats. Automations allows for swift disruption of identity attacks once identified.

Microsoft Entra provides a unified view of all identity sources to quickly identify and respond to threats, with automated response features to ensure fast disruption of cyberattacks based on seamless integration with Microsoft’s XDR solution. Microsoft provides enhanced visibility across all identities from one single admin console.

Microsoft provides effective IDTR solutions for preventing identity attacks, enhancing visibility, and improving response times to cyber threats. The combination of security, protection, and quick remedial action provides CISOs, IT managers, and developers a reliable, comprehensive, cloud-native identity protection platform.

Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR Identity Threat Detection and Response

Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex XDR is an advanced extended detection and response (XDR) tool that offers a significant improvement in endpoint protection, detecting and responding to threats before they can compromise systems. It stops malware, exploits, and ransomware, and works with network and cloud security tools to block any successful attack attempts.

Cortex CDR also features an integrated module for Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR). By using artificial intelligence and automation, Cortex XDR is able to provide sophisticated detection capabilities that help organizations efficiently detect and remediate identity-related threats. It generates risk-based profiles so teams can focus on higher priority incidents and integrate ITDR capabilities with within the wider XDR stack.

Cortex XDR IDTR uses Palo Alto’s Unit 42 and Cortex threat research to power analytics and identity risk analysis. Within the console, users can see automated insights from identity data, speeding up detection and response to potential security incidents. The solution offers continuous identity monitoring to support and compliment Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) architectures.

Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex XDR with ITDR offers comprehensive security for endpoints and identities that speeds up threat detection, while simplifying management. It’s a strong choice to consider for organizations looking to implement IDTR and XDR capabilities.

PingOne For Workforce

PingOne for Workforce by Ping Identity is a cloud-based identity solution designed to simplify authentication and secure identities. It aims to provide employees with seamless secure access across applications, directories, and devices, with admin control via a single admin console.

PingOne for Workforce provides a centralized, scalable authentication service that allows connection to users in any directory, access to any app, all hosted in any cloud. It also enforces secure Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). PingOne provides a comprehensive admin console with self-service APIs, templates, and policies that simplify identity management in any environment.

With the acquisition of ForgeRock, PingOne for Workforce has enhanced its reach and functionality around fraud and risk protection, identity verification, and lifecycle management. The ForgeRock and Ping Identity Platform provides an all-inclusive identity perimeter with key ITDR capabilities for securing identity authentication and governance.

PingOne for Workforce provides a one-stop solution for robust workforce authentication, enhancing productivity, and security concurrently. The integration with ForgeRock amplifies its strengths, introducing a broad set of advanced functionalities that streamline authentication and governance. We recommend organizations looking to implement an identity and access management platform with IDTR capabilities and built-in MFA and SSO should consider this solution.

Proofpoint Identity Threat Defense

Proofpoint Identity Threat Defense monitors identity security and stops the progression of identity threats within your network. This software continuously monitors, detects, and mitigates identity vulnerabilities and proactively responds to active identity threats with advanced deception techniques.

Proofpoint Identity Threat Defense includes the Proofpoint Spotlight and Shadow solutions. Proofpoint Spotlight takes a proactive approach, discovering and remedying identity vulnerabilities, as well as prioritizing threats based on risk. Shadow deploys modern deception technology, identifying and slowing attackers as they attempt privilege escalation or lateral movement within a network.

Proofpoint can reduce the risk of identity misuse and help teams to continuously discover identity vulnerabilities. This solution integrates with the Proofpoint Targeted Attack Protection (TAP) Dashboard, to provide important context for threats and visibility across a broad range of identity-sensitive areas such as Active Directory, AWS Identity Center, and endpoints.

Overall, Proofpoint Identity Threat Defense is a comprehensive security solution for teams looking to secure against identity-based threats, with automated remediation, proactive vulnerability identification, and advanced techniques for detecting active threats.

Semperis Directory Services Protector

Semperis Directory Services Protector (DSP) is a leading identity threat detection and response solution for Active Directory (AD) and Azure AD. It provides an effective defense against potential identity threats, ensuring these identity infrastructures are secured against compromise.

DSP takes a comprehensive approach to identity monitoring and detection. This robust system continuously tracks changes in both the on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD, including threats that might evade security logs. The system monitors multiple data sources to detect anomalous changes and is able to rollback malicious alterations automatically.

The solution also provides vulnerability assessment and tamperproof tracking. DSP assesses and monitor Indicators of Exposure (IOEs) and Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) within your AD configuration. DSP provides an effective extra layer of protection with its Azure AD functionality — including real-time change tracking and rolling back of Azure AD changes.

Semperis DSP offers effective security management for Active Directory and Azure AD environments, with automated remediation, vulnerability assessment, and seamless integration with security systems like Splunk and Microsoft Sentinel.

SentinelOne Singularity Identity

SentinelOne Singularity Identity is an advanced security solution designed to prevent credential misuse via real-time Active Directory defense and deception-based endpoint protection.

The solution offers real-time defense for Active Directory, Azure AD Domain Controllers, and Domain-joined assets. It detects and remediates attacks across all managed and unmanaged systems within an organization, irrespective of the OS or device type. Singularity Identity misdirects attackers with lures and fake information, while keeping the Active Directory data protected.

In addition, Singularity Identity integrates with Singularity Hologram network decoys to further block threat actors and capture threat intelligence. The product offers protection for local application credential stores and defends against credential harvesting. It also provides deep visibility and awareness of potential security compromises targeting critical domain servers.

Overall, SentinelOne Singularity Identity improves defense posture and offers deception capabilities against identity-based threats. The platform supports both on-premises and SaaS platform deployment options, offering a fast and easy implementation process.

The Top 7 Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) Solutions

Everything You Need to Know About Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) Software (FAQs)

What Are Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) Solutions?

Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) solutions are category of identity tools that are designed specifically to secure identities and identity systems, such as Azure and Azure AD. Their core capabilities include monitoring identity networks to identify vulnerabilities and automatically remediate issues, such as compromised accounts, password compromise and data breaches.

The term Identity Threat Detection and Response was initially coined by Gartner, who named it as one of the top security and risk management trends in 2022. Providers in the Identity Threat Detection and Response space typically also offer complimentary identity tools, such as Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or other monitoring tools designed for the endpoint, such as Extended Detection and Response (XDR).

How Do Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) Software Work?

IDTR solutions integrate with your identity providers and identity security tools, such as Azure AD. They provide a single admin console which provides a real-time, comprehensive view of your identity network and identity risks.

Key capabilities and controls include:

Real-time behavior monitoring of user activity and access management logs
AI models to monitor user behavior and flag suspicious activity which may indicate compromise
Automated remediations of security risks, such as enforcing MFA on a compromised account, or blocking access
Threat intelligence and insights into identity related risks with comprehensive reporting and overviews
Identity attack path management and risk analysis for improving identity security
High-priority alerting to suspected data breaches, account compromise, or critical risks
Risk scoring for users or groups to focus identity security improvements
Integrations with SIEM, SOAR, XDR, MFA, IAM, and PAM tools to correlate data and improve effectiveness of controls

Overall, IDTR solutions are designed to provide a greater level of control and security for identity systems in the same way that Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) provides additional protection and control for endpoint security solutions. They sit alongside existing identity networks and security tools to enforce security policies, monitor risks, and automate responses to prevent identity compromise.

What Features Should You Look For In Identity Threat Detection And Response (ITDR) Software?

When selecting an ITDR solution, consider the following factors:

Identity Threat Detection: Controls to monitor, prioritize, and remediate identity risks. Tools should continuously monitor identity assets, prioritize and score risk, and leverage tools such as MFA to automate remediation and secure accounts.
Identity Monitoring: AI and monitoring systems to monitor identity behaviors and access logs in order to flag deviations from normal user activities.
Alerting: Real-time alerts for admins. Alerts should be ranked by priority, with risk-based controls to minimize alert fatigue.
Continuous Visibility: The best tools will offer comprehensive threat intelligence across all identity sources in one admin dashboard.
Integrations: Tools should integrate widely across your identity stack with MFA and PAM solutions, as well as with other security tools such as SIEM, SOAR, and XDR solutions
Reporting: Detailed reporting and insights within the admin dashboard to monitor effectiveness and compliance
Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your environment, whether cloud, hybrid, or on-premises

IDTR is a relatively young and emerging market category, and tools are likely to evolve and consolidate these feature sets. Many providers in this space either operate broader network and cybersecurity tools (such as XDR solutions) or focus more specifically on the identity space and offer dedicated MFA, IAM, and PAM solutions. We recommend larger enterprise clients look to integrate IDTR into their existing tech stack.

Where Does IDTR Sit In The Tech Stack?

IDTR solutions compliment and sit alongside existing identity controls, such as Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions. Where IAM is used to control user access and manage identities, IDTR is used to secure access, monitoring and responding to security vulnerabilities. IDTR solutions also integrate within the identity tech stack, using integrations with MFA tools to enforce additional authentication steps if it detects a compromised account, for example. IDTR tools can also integrate with privileged access management solutions to help identify gaps in privileged access or least privilege policy violations for example.

IDTR solutions also complement endpoint security tools such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR). Data can be fed into broader network security tools such as security information and event monitoring (SIEM) and security orchestration automation and response (SOAR) solutions.

Joel Witts

Content Director

Joel Witts is the Content Director at Expert Insights, meaning he oversees all articles published and topics covered. He is an experienced journalist and writer, specialising in identity and access management, Zero Trust, cloud business technologies, and cybersecurity. Joel is a co-host of the Expert Insights Podcast and conducts regular interviews with leading B2B tech industry experts, including directors at Microsoft and Google. Joel holds a First Class Honours degree in Journalism from Cardiff University.

Laura Iannini

Cybersecurity Analyst

Laura Iannini is an Information Security Engineer. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida. Laura has experience with a variety of cybersecurity platforms and leads technical reviews of leading solutions. She conducts thorough product tests to ensure that Expert Insights’ reviews are definitive and insightful.