Identity and Access Management

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 Identity and Access Management (IAM)


Companies use Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems to control and regulate user access to their technology and infrastructure. IAM acts as a security layer between users and organizational resources such as servers, software applications, and data. By enforcing authentication and authorization policies, IAM ensures that only authorized individuals and systems can access specific resources, thereby reducing security risks and protecting sensitive information.



How Does Identity and Access Management (IAM) Work?

In an organization's IT or cloud environment, Identity and Access Management (IAM) functions by confirming the identity of a person or system and limiting what they can access. From identity formation to access auditing, it adheres to a methodical procedure.

1. Identity Creation

IAM begins by creating unique identities for users, services, or applications. Each identity is securely stored in the IAM system and represents an entity that requires access to resources.

2. Authentication (Who are you?)

IAM verifies the identity of a user or system using authentication methods such as passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometrics, security keys, or single sign-on (SSO). If authentication fails, access is denied.

3. Authorization (What can you do?)

Once authenticated, IAM determines what actions an identity is allowed to perform by evaluating assigned roles, permissions, and policies. This controls access to operations like read, write, delete, or execute.

4. Access Enforcement

IAM enforces access decisions in real time by allowing or blocking access to resources such as servers, applications, databases, and cloud services, ensuring only authorized actions are performed.

5. Role-Based and Policy-Based Control

IAM uses role-based access control (RBAC) to grant permissions based on job roles and policy-based access control to apply conditions such as time, location, or device, ensuring least privilege access.

6. Monitoring and Auditing

IAM continuously monitors and records login attempts, permission changes, and resource access. These logs help detect security threats and support compliance and auditing requirements.

7. Lifecycle Management

IAM manages identities throughout their lifecycle, including user onboarding, role modifications, and revoking access when users leave the organization.


Identity and Access Management (IAM) Tools

Identity and Access Management (IAM) tools help organizations manage digital identities, control access, and secure systems, applications, and data across on-premises and cloud environments. 

Cloud-native services like AWS IAM, Azure AD, and Google Cloud IAM are used by Identity and Access Management solutions to safeguard systems. While PAM tools safeguard administrators, identity providers, SSO, and MFA authenticate users. In contemporary business settings, governance platforms guarantee access reviews, policy enforcement, and regulatory compliance, while directory services handle identities.


Advantages of an IAM Framework

An Identity and Access Management (IAM) framework provides multiple benefits to organizations by securing access to systems and data while improving operational efficiency.

1. Scalability

2. Effectiveness of Operations

3. Adherence to Regulations

4 Improved User Experience

5. Enforcement of the Least Privilege 

6. Centralized Access Control 

7. Enhanced Security


Summary

Identity and Access Management (IAM) secures organizational systems by controlling user access through authentication and authorization. It manages identities, enforces role- and policy-based access, monitors activity, and supports compliance. IAM tools improve security, scalability, operational efficiency, and user experience while protecting sensitive data.



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