Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face unique challenges in managing identity and access security. Jimmy Kehoe, Vice President of EMEA Emerging, Okta, emphasises the importance of addressing these challenges by providing solutions that balance user convenience with robust security. By automating processes and complying with data privacy regulations, Okta empowers SMBs to improve employee productivity and secure their digital assets in the era of hybrid and remote work.
How is Okta addressing the unique challenges SMBs face in managing identity and access security?
SMBs face a tough balancing act – they need enterprise-level security to combat all the new threat actors, but often don’t have enterprise-level budgets or IT resources to support their needs. As a result, many tend to rely on basic security measures as seen in our recent SMB report – from anti-virus software to username and password credentials bundled with email systems. We get that. That’s why we’ve built solutions that are easy to implement and scale as businesses grow. For example, our Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) make securing apps and data straightforward, regardless of team size. SMBs also benefit from integrations with hundreds of tools right out-of-the-box, so they don’t have to spend hours (or euros) reinventing the wheel. It’s about making security accessible and manageable for small businesses, whether that be for their employees, partners or customers.
How are Okta’s solutions helping SMBs adopt automation effectively, and what trends are you seeing in automation uptake among these businesses?
Automation is the secret weapon for SMBs trying to do more with less, and Okta’s workflows make it easy to get started. For example, automating user onboarding and offboarding saves tons of time while ensuring employees, contractors or partners have the right access from day one. It’s not just about saving effort – it also reduces mistakes and improves security. A big trend we’re seeing is SMBs automating routine identity management tasks so they can focus on growing their businesses, not resetting passwords!
Regarding customer expectations, how does Okta’s Customer Identity platform enable SMBs to balance user convenience with robust security measures?
Customers expect modern, fast, easy and secure digital experiences – whether they’re signing into an app or completing an online purchase. Okta’s Customer Identity Cloud makes this possible by combining security features like adaptive authentication with seamless tools like social login. It’s a win-win: users get the convenience they want, and SMBs get to safeguard sensitive customer data while delivering a great customer experience (CX). Plus, features like biometrics and passwordless authentication are becoming a game-changer, giving businesses a competitive CX edge while reducing security risks.
For SMBs expanding internationally, what role does compliance with data privacy regulations play in Okta’s Customer Identity offerings?
Expanding globally is exciting but comes with new challenges – compliance with data privacy regulations being one of the biggest. Okta helps SMBs navigate this with built-in tools for managing consent, localising data storage and ensuring compliance with laws like GDPR, DORA, NIS2 and CCPA. It’s a huge relief for smaller teams that might not have a full time legal or compliance expert. By automating much of this process, Okta allows SMBs to focus on growing their reach without worrying about highly resource-intense regulatory pitfalls.
In the context of hybrid and remote work, how does Okta’s Workforce Identity Cloud help SMBs improve employee productivity?
Hybrid and remote work require employees to have secure access to company resources from anywhere, and this access must work seamlessly. That’s where Okta excels. With SSO and MFA, employees can access the applications and tools they need with just one login. This significantly reduces the number of password resets and access issues. Additionally, IT teams benefit from centralised management tools, which simplify their tasks and enables IT managers to give the right access to the right users and remove privileged access where needed. For SMBs, this approach is an effective way to enhance productivity while prioritising security.
Looking ahead, what emerging technologies do you believe will most impact identity management for SMBs in the next five years?
The next few years promise to be exciting for SMBs. Passwordless authentication is already gaining traction and is likely to become the new standard; it is secure, easy to use and customers appreciate it. Another area to watch is AI-driven identity threat detection, which helps businesses stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. Additionally, while decentralised identity is still in its early stages, it has the potential to fundamentally change how credentials are managed. This shift would empower users with more control while reducing risks for businesses. Okta is actively exploring these innovations to ensure that SMBs remain ahead of the curve.
