Identity and Access Management Explained: A Beginner’s Guide

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Nowadays, digital security needs have increased significantly as companies access their business resources remotely with cloud computing. Unfortunately, the traditional security methods that companies currently have are obsolete, as they do not provide sufficient efficiency. The complexity and cost of managing old management systems have made cloud-based systems a necessity. 

Companies can get support from IAM, which is one of the best ways to manage their business operations located in the cloud and on-premises. With the appropriate implementation of IAM best practices, companies create a strong defense wall against data theft and malware intrusion. However, it is quite normal to encounter massive challenges while implementing IAM, especially if you are just getting started.

According to 2021 statistics, unused credentials were a concern for about 88 percent of respondents who reported having problems with cloud identity and access management. However, knowing the features of IAM in detail and implementing it correctly can eliminate such problems. At this point, the start guide we have prepared to guide you will be very helpful for you.

What Is Identity and Access Management?

The technologies companies utilize to control access to network resources, both outside and inside the network edge, are referred to as Identity and Access Management (IAM). Modern IAM systems are able to manage both the “access” and “identity” sides of the network. They provide features such as privileges for each user and the ability to move sideways within network resources.

The most important goal of this method, which provides a high level of convenience and security in authentication and gateway management is o give people access to the resources they need while limiting unwanted access to other network resources. It generally operates in conjunction with Zero Trust Network Network Access policies to ensure adherence to sector-specific security regulations. 

Modern IAM, when properly deployed, can scale to meet growing demands, adapt as network perimeters shift, and lessen the threat surface that online criminals have access to. At the network’s edge, IAM entails developing access management solutions. In this way, every login attempt is evaluated. It also checks the credentials held in network administrators’ authorized user lists and third-party authentication services.

What Are The Best 5 IAM Practices? 

Standardize the use of Zero Trust Network Access

ZTNA can be said to be the in​​dustry’s leading access management solution for distributing privileges. Every user is suspiciously counted and continuously monitored under the Zero Trust approach until their access credentials are issued. This solution, which does not give any exceptions even for administrator-level users, treats everyone equally, from the highest level to the lowest.

Any lateral movement within the network is governed by the “principle of least privilege”, which states that users should only access the resources necessary for their role. In addition, administrators should always be careful not to give excessive rights.

Adopt Multi-Factor Authentication

One of the most fundamental procedures in IAM implementation is authentication. The biggest mistake you may make is simply relying on passwords for data security. Instead of doing this, you can maximize the benefits of IAM by implementing a type of multi-factor authentication into user access portals. 

By requesting one or more additional credentials before providing access when used with IAM, MFA strives to increase security. These credentials consist of biometric data and codes delivered via SMS or email. Another MFA technique is authentication via social media accounts.

Access management solutions may easily connect third-party multi- or two-factor authentication providers, offering an additional layer of security. It is advantageous to incorporate reliable password security procedures into your IAM system at each level and for each operation.

Make individual user profiles and descriptive role definitions

Each user gets a profile detailing their specific privileges when accessing the network. In this context, it is necessary not to grant rights or profiles to contractor companies or departments that they may have authorization or access to. It would be best to take a detailed approach to privileged access management that provides complete information.

However, the constant updating of individual access privileges, which is thought to be beneficial, is not always the right thing to do. Creating role-based rights and assigning these roles to the right people is the right thing to do, but it also provides many conveniences. Role-Based Access Control systems occasionally even have the ability to give rights for certain amounts of time, giving teams using network resources more flexibility.

Why Should Businesses Implement IAM?

Thanks to the developing technology, the business operations of the organizations take place much faster and more efficiently than they are. Thanks to cloud technology, employees have the opportunity to work from any place and device they want.

Unfortunately, this seemingly advantageous situation can lead to problems that endanger the security of confidential information within the company. Therefore, you should adopt a security solution that focuses on identity information and accuracy rather than solutions that only care about network security. IAM is a technology designed for exactly this need.

IAM is a great solution to make sure your employees, customers, and partners are who they say they are when they ask for access and have access to only the resources they need. While IAM has many benefits, this alone shows how beneficial it can be to a business.

Conclusion 

It’s time to leave traditional VPN security systems behind and look beyond for high cybersecurity. Today, changes in the functioning of business operations, the transition to a remote working system, the technologies used, work devices, and more have made better influential security systems a necessity. It is very critical to determine the identity and authorization of the people who request access, especially when accessing data and resources.

At this point, support should be obtained from the right security methods to ensure security.IAM provides you with the best access management systems, which can be the best solution to this. Thanks to the solutions and systems it offers, you can monitor and track users on the network and even manage the use of your private networks only by authorized and valid people.

Aazam Shaikh

Aazam Shaikh is a experienced content writer with a passion for crafting engaging and impactful narratives. He specialised in creating a wide range of content, from blogs and news articles to web copy and social media posts. Over the years, He has worked with diverse clients across various industries, helping brands build their voice and connect with audiences.

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