Learn about identity and access management (IAM), how IAM works, and why organizations should have IAM in Data Protection 101, our series on the fundamentals of information security. Show
Identity and access management (IAM) is a collective term that covers products, processes, and policies used to manage user identities and regulate user access within an organization. “Access” and “user” are two vital IAM concepts. “Access” refers to actions permitted to be done by a user (like view, create, or change a file). “Users” could be employees, partners, suppliers, contractors, or customers. Furthermore, employees can be further segmented based on their roles. How Identity and Access Management WorksIAM systems are designed to perform three key tasks: identify, authenticate, and authorize. Meaning, only the right persons should have access to computers, hardware, software apps, any IT resources, or perform specific tasks. Some core IAM components making up an IAM framework include:
With the entry of new users or the changing of roles of existing users, the list of access privileges must be up-to-date all the time. IAM functions usually fall under IT departments or sections that handle cybersecurity and data management. Examples of Identity and Access ManagementHere are simple examples of IAM at work.
Role-Based AccessMany IAM systems use role-based access control (RBAC). Under this approach, there are predefined job roles with specific sets of access privileges. Take HR employees as an RBAC example. If one HR officer is in charge of training, it makes little sense if that officer is given access to payroll and salary files. Single Sign-OnSome IAM systems implement Single Sign-On (SSO). With SSO, users only need to verify themselves one time. They would then be given access to all systems without the need to log separately into each system. Multi-Factor AuthenticationWhenever extra steps are required for authentication, it’s either a two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA). This authentication process combines something the user knows (like a password) with something the user has (like a security token or OTP) or something that’s part of the user’s body (like biometrics). Benefits of Identity and Access ManagementHere’s a look at a few of the primary benefits and why identity and access management is important.
Best Practices for Identity and Access ManagementFollowing relevant ISO standards would be a good starting place to ensure organizations meet the best IAM practices. Some of these standards are:
Note that no matter how robust identity management solutions are, they can still crack with simple mistakes, like in cases of risky employee habits. That’s why basic cybersecurity practices – like using authorized devices for sensitive files, not sharing passwords, using secured networks – remain relevant as ever. Which of these are the features of IAM?AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) Features. Fine-grained access control. Permissions let you specify and control access to AWS services and resources. ... . Delegate access by using IAM roles. ... . IAM Roles Anywhere. ... . IAM Access Analyzer. ... . Permissions guardrails. ... . Attribute-based access control.. What are the key features of identity and access management IAM )?IAM systems are designed to perform three key tasks: identify, authenticate, and authorize. Meaning, only the right persons should have access to computers, hardware, software apps, any IT resources, or perform specific tasks.
What is a feature of the AWS Identity and Access Management IAM service?With AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), you can specify who or what can access services and resources in AWS, centrally manage fine-grained permissions, and analyze access to refine permissions across AWS.
What are the parts of IAM?The Components of IAM. Access Management. ... . Identity Governance and Administration. ... . Privileged Access Management. ... . Customer IAM. ... . Adjacent Technologies.. |