Identity management software provides unique digital identities to users, helps control access to data and systems, and makes it easier for employees to work anywhere—an excellent example of an IAM solution that works well in on-premises, cloud, and hybrid networks.
It can match login information like usernames and passwords against a database of people who should have access to which applications.
Access Control
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The modern workplace has transformed the way we work. With employees working from home, using their devices, and blending office and remote work, the security needs of companies have grown. Identity management software helps to keep company data secure by controlling access.
To determine if someone is who they say they are, an IAM solution checks their login information against a database that keeps track of the identities of all employees and external users. It also tracks the uniqueness of all systems, devices, and applications they use. The database is updated as people move in and out of the workforce, their roles change, and the scope of a business evolves.
Once a digital identity is verified, it can access apps, systems, and resources. IAM tools can also manage privileged account management (PAM)—the process of controlling access to susceptible accounts, like admins that oversee databases and systems. This type of access requires extra layers of protection, such as credential vaults and just-in-time authentication protocols.
Many IAM solutions are known for their ability to handle the complexities of third-party identity management, which involves managing the identities and access rights of partners and other non-employees. One example has a suite of independently licensed products with unified control for third-party and non-employee identity management. It offers centralized directories, single sign-on, strong authentication, and automation of onboarding and offboarding processes.
Identity Management
Identity management helps to ensure that only authorized individuals can access a company’s systems and information. Choosing the best identity management software helps to improve security, enable streamlined operations, and reduce costs while meeting regulatory requirements.
The identity management component in an IAM solution confirms that a login attempt is valid by matching the person’s account details with a database of records. This includes employee names, job titles and managers, direct reports, mobile phone numbers, and email addresses. It also identifies the device the person uses to access the system – and can block unauthorized devices from entering the network.
Some IAM solutions offer single sign-on (SSO), so users must only verify their identity once instead of logging in to different applications separately. Other tools help with password-less authentication by allowing users to log in with biometrics, Face ID, Touch ID, email, or SMS.
An excellent example of an IAM solution provides all these functions and other features like governance and APIs. Another automatically detects the difference between business and personal systems and securely authenticates them without a password. It can even block suspicious endpoints without using a VPN. Other options have the added benefit of helping to automate many admin tasks. It can monitor failed login attempts to spot hacker activity and provide detailed reporting.
Data Management
Data management is a critical function that works alongside identity management software to ensure people can access suitable applications, data, and services. This can be done by managing permissions for users or devices through tools like privileged access management (PAM), role-based access control (RBAC), and more. Businesses can keep their sensitive data safe and prevent security breaches by ensuring users only get the necessary access.
IAM systems can also improve productivity by automating many processes for granting and revoking employee access. By reducing the amount of manual work involved in these tasks, IT departments can be more effective, and this is particularly important when working with remote workers who have to log into various platforms.
Ultimately, the most significant benefit of IAM is that it protects organizations from breaches and data leaks by providing a solid first line of defense. It can manage employee accounts, monitor a company’s networks and cloud applications, and identify suspicious activities that may lead to identity theft. The best IAM software tools offer a range of features to support these functions and help businesses keep their digital information safe. They can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or as a hybrid solution and run on any network architecture. Choosing a flexible system that can be scaled as a business grows is essential.
Collaboration
With employees working from various locations, devices, and networks, companies must ensure the right people can access the suitable systems. An IAM system verifies a person’s identity and permissions each time a user logs in or attempts to use a system.
An IAM solution can also prevent users from entering the wrong credentials, preventing data breaches and hacks. It can allow users to manage their passwords, which helps them create strong, unique passwords and reduce the time staff spends changing their passwords due to re-entry errors or forgotten login information.
Large enterprises have plenty of choices when it comes to IAM tools. One popular option can also tie together disparate IAM systems within the organization and automate many processes.
Another IAM option can authenticate any device or platform, including cloud applications and virtual environments. It can also help businesses reduce their reliance on passwords and provide a seamless experience for employees across different platforms, applications, and networks. It can be run on the IBM Cloud or as a self-managed solution, and it’s a good choice for managed service providers who want to offer IAM services to their clients.
