# Device identity is a blind spot in trust models

Most organizations begin their Zero Trust journey by securing human identities—implementing Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and user access policies. This step is critical, but it’s only half the story. Each endpoint (laptop, server, container, IoT device) is also an identity that attackers can exploit. True Zero Trust requires securing both user and device identities to fully protect your environment.

## Smallstep delivers the missing half of Zero Trust

Identity management for people is well-covered by MFA, passkeys, and authenticator apps—but device identity has been overlooked, often handled with outdated, low-assurance solutions like SCEP. Smallstep solves this critical gap, bringing modern, hardware-attested device identity to Zero Trust security.

## IAM requires both user and device identity

Your IAM solution verifies **user identity** but doesn't verify **device identity**. Smallstep fills this gap by adding device verification as a critical authentication factor, ensuring only trusted, approved devices access sensitive resources like SaaS apps, SSH, VPNs, cloud consoles, and production infrastructure.

## Enhance PAM workflows with device identity

Your PAM solution verifies who accesses sensitive systems—but do you know what device they're accessing from? The most serious breaches aren’t caused by weak passwords; they're caused by trusted users logging in from untrusted devices. Smallstep fills this gap by verifying device identity alongside user identity.

## Become a partner

Interested in learning more about our rapidly growing community of partners? Let's talk.

## Learn more about the platform

The Smallstep platform helps mitigate numerous cybersecurity threats – from phishing to advanced hardware attacks – without impacting end-user workflows.

## Enforce device identity everywhere

Whether you’re working towards a compliance standard, closing gaps in policy enforcement, or preventing nation-state attacks, our team is here to show you how Smallstep can help.