e-Book: A Primer on Identity and Access Management (IAM)
An overview of identity and access management and how to implement it in the enterprise.
September 12, 2019
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a framework for managing digital identities and access to information systems and resources within an organization. IAM aims to provide secure and efficient access to the right resources to the right people at the right time. Here are some key components of IAM:
- Authentication: Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or application. Standard authentication methods include passwords, biometric identification, and smart cards.
- Authorization: Authorization determines what a user or device can access once their identity has been authenticated. This is typically based on the user’s role, job function, or level of clearance.
- Access Management: Access management is the process of controlling and monitoring access to information systems and resources. This includes enforcing security policies and permissions, monitoring user activity, and generating audit logs.
- Identity Management: Identity management is the process of creating, managing, and deleting digital identities for users, devices, and applications. This includes maintaining a central directory of user identities and assigning appropriate roles and permissions.
- Single Sign-On: Single sign-on (SSO) allows users to log in once and gain access to multiple applications and systems without the need for separate authentication. This improves user experience and reduces the risk of password fatigue and security breaches.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires users to provide multiple forms of authentication to access resources, such as a password and a fingerprint scan. This provides an extra layer of security beyond traditional username and password authentication.
- Federation: Federation allows users to access resources across multiple organizations without needing separate authentication. This enables secure collaboration and data sharing across different systems and organizations.
By implementing an IAM framework, organizations can improve security, reduce the risk of data breaches, and streamline access to information systems and resources.
The Identity and Access Management (IAM) category in our CIO Reference Library is a curated collection of resources, articles, and insights focused on providing IT executives and security professionals with the knowledge and guidance to develop and implement effective identity and access management strategies that ensure the security and privacy of corporate data and applications.
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a critical function within enterprise IT. It encompasses the processes, policies, and technologies used to manage and secure user identities and access to applications, services, and data. Effective IAM protects corporate assets from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats.
This category covers a wide range of topics related to IAM, including:
- IAM concepts and fundamentals: This includes an overview of IAM concepts and principles, such as authentication, authorization, and access control.
- IAM technologies: This includes an overview of the technologies used in IAM, such as Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Identity as a Service (IDaaS).
- IAM standards and regulations: This includes an overview of the standards and regulations that impact IAM, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).
- IAM best practices: This includes guidance on implementing and managing IAM, such as defining IAM policies, developing a comprehensive IAM strategy, and implementing IAM technologies and processes.
- IAM challenges: This includes an overview of the challenges associated with IAM, such as managing user identities across multiple systems and applications, securing mobile and cloud-based applications, and managing privileged access.
By exploring the Identity and Access Management (IAM) category, IT executives and security professionals can better understand the principles, techniques, and strategies underpinning effective identity and access management. This knowledge will enable them to develop and implement a comprehensive IAM strategy for their organization, ensuring security, compliance, and optimal use of corporate data and applications.
