Identity Access Management (IAM): Concepts

Identity and Access Management is an ensemble of policies, technologies and business processes that seamlessly manage digital or electronic identities. IT managers can control user access to critical information by implementing an IAM framework. Privileged access management, multifactor authentication and two-factor authentication are used for Identity and Access Management.

These systems also enable the secure storage of identity and profile data along with data governance to ensure that only relevant and necessary data is shared. IAM solutions can be installed through third-party vendors’ cloud-based systems on-premises or in a hybrid mode. If being a part of cyber security and IAM are your career goals, then you can consider applying for the Executive Programme in Cyber Security for Organizations [EPCSO], offered by IIM Indore, which covers all the concepts related to IAM. We will now learn about the details of IAM in this blog below.

Table Of Content

Why is IAM important?

Components of IAM

IAM Tools

IAM Benefits

IAM Best Practices

IAM Challenges & How to Overcome Them

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is IAM important?

IT departments and business leaders are facing growing legal and organisational pressure to safeguard access to company resources. Consequently, they cannot track and allocate user credentials using manual and error-prone methods. Identity and access management optimises these processes while allowing for extensive access control and monitoring all company assets in their cloud and on-premises. IAM has features in manifolds, including AI, biometrics and behaviour analytics which fit the new security scenario perfectly. For example, IAM’s tight control over resource access in highly dispersed and dynamic contexts corresponds with the industry’s shift from firewalls to zero-trust models and security needs for information and technology. Though IT professionals may believe that IAM is resourceful only for larger organisations, in reality the system can be used for all types of businesses, irrespective of their size.

Identity Access Management

Components of IAM

IT professionals may use IAM to limit user access to necessary information within their organisations. These solutions also provide role-based access control, which regulates access to networks or systems based on the responsibilities of specific corporate users. In this regard, access refers to an individual user’s capacity to perform a specific task, such as creating, viewing or modifying a file. Within the organisation, roles are defined by job, responsibility, and authority. IAM systems collect and store user login information and maintain a business database of user identities. With that, they coordinate access permission assignment and revocation. This implies that IAM systems should offer a centralised directory service with supervision and insight into all parts of the company’s user base. Internet identities are not restricted to humans. In the coming years, IAM may manage the digital identities of apps and devices. IAM can be managed in the cloud as well using (AaaS) authentication as a service or (IDaaS) identity as a service. In both cases, a third-party vendor handles user authentication, registration and data management.

IAM Tools

IAM solutions are software designed to help organizations securely manage user identities, control permissions, and automate authentication processes. They are key elements that help drive identity and access management forward in such a way that only authorized users have access to critical systems and sensitive information. The modern platforms also ease identity access management by allowing centralized dashboards for various purposes, such as onboarding, monitoring, and governance of applications. Most of the solutions work as a complete identity management system, enabling businesses to enforce security policies consistently across cloud and on-premise environments. Well-liked IAM tools include Okta, Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), IBM Security Verify, Ping Identity, SailPoint, CyberArk, OneLogin, and Oracle Identity Management; they offer a variety of features, including SSO, MFA, lifecycle management, and access governance.

IAM Benefits

IAM technology can be used to automate the creation, extraction, recording and management of user identities and their associated access rights. Any organisation that has IAM can gain from its extensive usability. Here are the benefits of IAM that companies can expect after integrating it into their system.

In the area of security, using an IAM set can make it easier to enforce user authentication, validation and permission regulations. Furthermore, it helps to solve concerns about power creep. With the use of IAM, people and services are appropriately verified, authorised and audited, and access rights are provided in accordance with policies. Implementing identity access management systems enables firms to function more efficiently by reducing the time, effort, and money necessary to manage network access manually. IAM systems help businesses better comply with regulatory rules by demonstrating that they are not exploiting company information. Companies can also show that any data required for audits is readily available. Companies that handle identities effectively have better control over user access, lowering the chance of internal and external data breaches.

Identity Access Management

Implementing IAM solutions and adhering to the best practices can help businesses obtain a competitive advantage. IAM solutions enable businesses to grant individuals outside the organisation, like partners, suppliers, contractors and customers, access to their network. They can provide access via on-premise applications, mobile applications, and SaaS without jeopardising security, which in turn will improve cooperation, lead to higher production, increase efficiency, and lower operational expenses. Many developing IAM solutions aim to decrease risk by keeping personally identifiable information with the owner of the information rather than distributing it across susceptible databases.

A decentralised identity system, for example, allows individuals to keep control over and manage their own identities. Individuals may control how and where their personal information is shared, potentially lowering company risk and responsibility. Thus, IAM is centred around managing the digital identities of individuals, like employees, partners, and customers. They can control their access to systems, applications, and data based on their roles, responsibilities, and permissions. By implementing IAM solutions, organisations can mitigate the risks associated with unauthorised access, data breaches, and insider threats.

IAM Best Practices

IAM best practices guarantee increased security, easier maintenance, and lower access-related risks within the company. Enforce strong MFA to prevent unauthorized logins into user accounts and further harden identity and access management controls. Additionally, move to passwordless authentication to minimize the attack surface and enhance user experience. Regular audits for access rights will ensure that users retain only the permissions necessary for them in identity access management policies. Least privilege enforcement reduces the blast radius in case of an attack. Implementing continuous monitoring and logging of identity activities facilitates early detection of anomalies, thereby enhancing your identity management system. Automation of provisioning and deprovisioning ensures accuracy and timeliness of updates and supports Zero Trust.

IAM Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Organizations have major IAM challenges that can weaken the security of an organization if not properly addressed. Password fatigue leads to a weak password habit, affecting identity and access management frameworks. Their solution includes MFA and password managers. Shadow IT brings about unauthorized usage of tools; for this, centralized monitoring and more stringent identity access management policies are useful. Integration of IAM with legacy systems is complicated and time-consuming; therefore, API adoption and gradual modernization cut down the complexity. Managing privileged accounts strictly requires PAM controls within your identity management system. Compliance issues such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO are related and can be overcome through automated audits, access governance, and continuous enforcement of policies to maintain alignment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

IAM concepts are the very foundational ideas that govern how identities, authentications, and permissions are handled within an organization’s setup for identity and access management. These help in developing a secure identity management system, whereby only authorized persons can gain access to specific resources.

Identity and access management basically deals with the verification of users’ identity and authorization of access as per their roles and policies. This approach towards identity access management keeps systems secure and enhances operational efficiencies.

IAM involves four key areas: authentication, authorisation, user management, and governance. Each plays a crucial part in making identity management trustworthy. Together, these four pillars bring about effective practices of identity and access management in an organization.

IAM tools are the software platforms which automate authentication, access control, and identity governance in the processes of identity and access management. These tools enhance an organization’s identity access management by providing secure and seamless access for the users.