Identity management stands at a crossroads as the emergence of AI and cloud-based platforms expands the number of digital “users” within organizations. These users, which now include automated agents and machine credentials, often receive broad access to sensitive systems. With attackers targeting identity as a primary entry point, security companies are under growing pressure to find new solutions. CrowdStrike’s latest move to acquire SGNL adds another piece to this complex puzzle. Balancing dynamic access and operational efficiency has emerged as a significant challenge for enterprises adapting to rapidly changing IT environments.
CrowdStrike’s earlier acquisitions and strategy focused primarily on endpoint and threat intelligence. The shift toward identity security signals a broader trend among cybersecurity leaders, with companies such as Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler, Veeam, and Check Point recently investing heavily in AI-focused and identity-driven platforms. In contrast to previous deals, CrowdStrike’s purchase of SGNL aims specifically at runtime controls for both human and non-human accounts—a concern that has grown as organizations deploy more automation and cloud-based services.
What Drives CrowdStrike’s Focus on Identity Security?
The surge in contractors, cloud workloads, and AI-driven accounts has pushed access management into the spotlight. CrowdStrike addressed this growing risk by announcing its acquisition of SGNL, an identity management startup aimed at tightening access controls. According to CEO George Kurtz, organizations now face “superhuman speed and access” from AI agents, creating new types of privileged identities.
How Will SGNL Integrate with Falcon Platform?
SGNL is designed as a runtime enforcement layer that sits between identity providers and various business applications, including SaaS and large cloud platforms. This approach emphasizes continuous, context-driven access decisions, moving beyond traditional static privileges. The addition intends to bolster Falcon, CrowdStrike’s core platform, by extending protections to AWS Identity and Access Management, Okta, and other identity systems.
“SGNL will allow CrowdStrike to provide just-in-time access controls that adapt to changing conditions,”
explained Kurtz.
Will the Acquisition Shape Industry Approaches to AI and Cloud Security?
Security experts point to the deal as part of a growing effort to curb risks created by overprivileged or unmanaged accounts, especially those linked to automation and artificial intelligence. The rapid adoption of cloud platforms and single sign-on services has created new vulnerabilities, with breaches often resulting from stolen or misused credentials. SGNL CEO Scott Kriz commented on the gap the company aims to address:
“We founded SGNL to ensure that access mirrors business reality, limiting standing privileges that increase risk.”
The focus CrowdStrike is placing on identity security highlights a new direction compared to its previous emphasis on endpoints and network protection. Other recent acquisitions in the security industry have also targeted cloud observability and AI risk, but SGNL’s model centers on evaluating real-time context for every access attempt. This approach seeks to overcome legacy security models, which relied heavily on predefined rights and left organizations vulnerable when user conditions shifted or threats emerged unexpectedly. Buyers in the cybersecurity market should closely monitor how CrowdStrike’s integration of SGNL impacts broader adoption of dynamic identity controls, especially as automation and AI continue to reshape enterprise security.
