Access Fabric: A modern approach to identity and network access

Today, most organisations run multiple identity systems and network access tools from different vendors, creating a fragmented environment that attackers can exploit. Simply adding more tools isn’t enough; when identity and network security don’t work together, visibility drops, gaps form, and risks rise. An Access Fabric envisions a unified, adaptive approach that continuously evaluates trust at authentication and network levels and enforces risk-based access in real time, rather than only at sign-in.

AI is amplifying the risk of defensive seams and gaps, with threat actors using AI to enhance phishing campaigns and automate intrusion vectors, while 79% of organisations using six or more solutions reported more breaches, according to Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2025.

The article argues that removing seams and adopting a single, cohesive strategy—where identity, device, network signals, and AI agents are governed by one policy engine—provides stronger, context-aware access security and a smoother user experience.