What is Identity Sprawl?

Identity sprawl refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of digital identities, accounts, and their associated access privileges across an organization's environment. It’s a common challenge where identities become scattered, duplicated, and often unmanaged.

Why is Identity Sprawl a Problem?

Identity sprawl is a problem because it compromises an organization's security posture, complicates adherence to regulatory standards, and introduces significant operational drag. It means losing control over who has access to what, where, and when, making comprehensive defense a continuous uphill battle.

The good news?
This isn't an unsolvable problem. What we've consistently seen work is moving towards a centralized, automated approach to identity management. Leveraging robust open-source Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) platforms is often a practical path we recommend, due to the flexibility of these platforms — and their ability to integrate across hybrid and multi-cloud environments without vendor lock-in.

By consolidating identities, enforcing least-privilege access, and automating lifecycle management, organizations can regain control, reduce risk, and dramatically improve efficiency. Identity sprawl doesn’t need to be a permanent state — with the right strategy and tools, it becomes manageable, measurable, and ultimately solvable.