In an era characterised by rapid digital transformation, the implementation of robust Cyber security measures is crucial. One key component of these measures is the Identity and Access Management (IAM) system. An IAM system is a framework for business processes that facilitates the management of electronic identities. It can be utilised to initiate, capture, record and manage user identities and their related access permissions in an automated fashion. This ensures that access privileges are granted according to one interpretation of policy and all individuals and services are properly authenticated, authorised and audited.
IAM systems are essential in providing the right individuals - employees, contractors, customers, etc. - the access to the appropriate resources at the right times, for the right reasons. They ensure that the right levels of security and user productivity are simultaneously maintained, while also ensuring compliance with ever-evolving regulations.
IAM systems incorporate several crucial components, including:
IAM solutions are effective in both on-premises and cloud-based systems. In an on-premises environment, IAM systems manage user access to physical and digital resources within the enterprise's local network. However, the advent of cloud computing has led to an increase in the complexity of managing access to resources.
Cloud-based IAM solutions, also known as Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS), offer the same core functionalities as their on-premises counterparts. The key difference is that IDaaS solutions are hosted and managed by a third-party provider, off-premises. This offers a host of benefits, including scalability, accessibility, lower capital expenditure, and easier integration with other cloud-based services. Moreover, they allow users to access resources securely from anywhere in the world, an essential feature for businesses adapting to remote working.
IAM systems used in conjunction with cloud services must also account for the potential risks inherent to the cloud. For instance, they need to handle access from various locations and devices, often over unsecured networks. Also, they must manage access to a range of hosted resources, from software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications to infrastructure and platforms as a service (IaaS and PaaS).
To sum up, IAM systems serve a dual purpose: they not only enhance security by ensuring that only the right people have access to your systems but also increase efficiency by automating many aspects of identity and access management. Whether you’re safeguarding on-premises systems or navigating the complex landscape of cloud security, IAM systems are an essential tool in your Cyber security arsenal.
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Partnered with both Ping Identity, and ForgeRock we are experts in implementing and deploying identity and access management systems and providing SSO.
