Beyond conventional IAM controls, a novel method for identifying, evaluating, and controlling identity usage.
The Challenge: Identity Lives Outside the Identity Stack Identity and access management tools were built to govern users and directories. Modern enterprises run on applications.
Over time, identity logic has moved into application code, APIs, service accounts, and custom authentication layers. Credentials are embedded. Authorization is enforced locally. Usage patterns change without review.
These identity paths often operate outside the visibility of IAM, PAM, and IGA. For security and identity teams, this creates a blind spot - what we call Identity Dark Matter. This dark matter is responsible for the identity risk that cannot be directly observed.
Why Conventional Methods Fail The majority of identity tools rely on policy models and configuration data. For managed users, that is effective. It does not work for: Custom-built applications Legacy authentication logic Embedded credentials and secrets Non-human identities Access paths that bypass identity providers As a result, teams are left reconstructing identity behavior during audits or incident response. This approach does not scale. Learn how to uncover this invisible layer of identity.
Orchid’s Approach: Discover, Analyze, Orchestrate, Audit Orchid Security addresses this gap by providing continuous identity observability across applications. The platform follows a four-stage operational model aligned to how security teams work.
Discover: Identify Identity Usage Inside Applications Orchid begins by discovering applications and their identity implementations.
Lightweight instrumentation analyzes applications directly to identify authentication methods, authorization logic, and credential usage. This discovery includes both managed and unmanaged environments. Teams gain an accurate inventory of Applications and services Identity types in use Flows of authentication Embedded credentials This establishes a baseline of identity activity across the environment.
Analyze: Assess Identity Risk Based on Observed Behavior Once discovery is complete, Orchid analyzes identity usage in context. The platform correlates identities, applications, and access paths to surface risk indicators such as: Analysis is driven by observed behavior rather than assumed policy. This allows teams to focus on identity risks that are actively in use.
Orchestrate: Act on Identity Findings With analysis complete, Orchid enables teams to take action.
To assist with remediation efforts, the platform integrates with current IAM, PAM, and security workflows. Teams can: Prioritize identity risks by impact Forward results to the relevant control owner. Track remediation progress over time Orchid does not replace existing controls. It coordinates them using an accurate identity context.
Audit: Maintain Continuous Evidence of Identity Control Because discovery and analysis run continuously, audit data is always available. Security and GRC teams can access: Current application inventories Evidence of identity usage Documentation of control gaps and remediation actions This reduces reliance on manual evidence collection and point-in-time reviews. Audit becomes an ongoing process rather than a periodic scramble.
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