As data volumes grow and workforces become more distributed, managing access across multiple systems and environments becomes more complex. For many organizations, auditing and controlling user access can become a costly necessity, particularly as they scale. Meeting compliance requirements without automation also becomes increasingly difficult, and identity sprawl is a challenge that every organization must address.
Identity and access management (IAM) systems are designed to make this process easier. IAM streamlines the control, management, and governance of user access, making sure that each identity has the right access to resources at the right time and, more importantly, that they don’t have access at the wrong times. In the sections below, we’ll explore IAM and how it can help keep your applications secure.
IAM is a comprehensive security framework that covers a range of disciplines, from the technical implementations of authentication and authorization to the audit and automation processes that manage identities and access across an organization’s broad array of software and hardware systems. IAM tools and teams automate the provisioning and deprovisioning of identities and their required access across disparate platforms in the modern cloud ecosystem. Automating these processes from a centralized team and tool allows organizations a single management plane for auditing and controlling access across all assets.
IAM isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a flexible security approach that can be tailored to your unique architecture and requirements. It includes a variety of tools, processes, and people designed to meet your needs for managing identities and access across your organization. Key IAM features in app design include:
Incorporating strong IAM practices into app design not only strengthens security but also creates a more flexible, compliant, and user-friendly experience as your organization evolves. Here are seven key benefits your organization can gain by implementing IAM:
Deploying an IAM solution requires thorough planning to maximize its effectiveness. Start by identifying your organization's unique risks and compliance goals. These will help drive the direction of an IAM program. Creating a list of software and hardware systems that require the use of identities and access assignments will help you evaluate IAM solutions for compatibility with your existing IT environment.
Next, define the different roles and scenarios the IAM system will need to address. This framework will become the foundation for the system’s architecture and documentation.
It’s also important to consider the long-term roadmap. As your organization expands and its requirements evolve, an IAM program should support these challenges and align with overall business goals.
As the need for secure access to resources within your organization grows, IAM plays a pivotal role in protecting sensitive data and maintaining operational efficiency. Concord helps organizations implement IAM solutions that integrate into existing IT infrastructures and use advanced technologies to simplify access management and strengthen security measures. If you’re looking for effective ways to secure access to your apps and resources, contact Concord. We can help you implement enterprise-scale IAM solutions that enhance collaboration and boost productivity.
What are the principles of identity and access management?
The core principles of IAM include:
What does identity and access management do?
IAM provides a framework for managing and securing user access to applications and systems. It automates the creation, management, and removal of user accounts, confirms that users have the appropriate access to resources, and enforces policies to protect sensitive data. It helps prevent unauthorized access, reduces the risk of data breaches, and supports compliance with industry regulations.
What is an example of identity and access management?
An example of IAM is a company using a tool like Microsoft Azure Active Directory to manage employee access. When an employee joins the company, their account is automatically created with specific roles and permissions, granting access to the appropriate tools and data. If their role changes, their access is updated accordingly, and when they leave, their access is deactivated.
Who needs identity and access management?
Any organization that handles sensitive information, operates in regulated industries, or needs to manage access across multiple systems or applications benefits from IAM. This includes companies of all sizes, government agencies, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and technology companies that need to protect their data and make sure only authorized users have access.
Is identity and access management considered cybersecurity?
Yes, IAM is a critical component of cybersecurity. While cybersecurity covers a wide range of practices to protect networks and systems, IAM specifically focuses on controlling who has access to what resources, making it a key part of an organization's overall security strategy.
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