Identity & Access Management (IAM) is the framework of policies, technologies, and toolsthat ensures the right people, with the right devices, get the right access to the right resources—while keeping unauthorized users out.
IAM is the first line of defenseagainst cybercriminals who often target stolen passwords, compromised accounts, and insider misuse to breach organizations.
-One secure login for all corporate applications.
-Reduces password fatigue and weak password practices.
-Helps organizations:Eliminate password reuse risks and improve productivity.
-Examples:Okta, Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Ping Identity.
-Requires users to verify with biometrics, mobile OTP, or security tokens.
-Helps organizations:Stop attackers even if credentials are stolen.
-Examples:Duo Security, YubiKey, Microsoft Authenticator.
-Controls and monitors access for admins and superusers.
-Records privileged sessions for auditing.
-Helps organizations:Prevent insider threats and ransomware spread via admin accounts.
-Examples:CyberArk, BeyondTrust, Thycotic.
-Manages user lifecycles (joiners, movers, leavers).
-Automates access reviews, role assignments, and policy enforcement.
-Helps organizations:Reduce human errors, meet compliance, and limit excessive access.
-Examples:SailPoint, Saviynt, One Identity.
-Grants minimum privileges based on roles or policies.
-Verifies users and devices continuously (Zero Trust).
-Helps organizations:Minimize attack surface by enforcing least privilege.
-Examples:Microsoft Zero Trust, Palo Alto Prisma Access.
-Provides secure access across multiple cloud services.
-Prevents Shadow IT by integrating all SaaSapps into IAM.
-Helps organizations:Control cloud identity sprawl and enforce security policies.
-Examples:Okta, Azure AD, Google Cloud IAM.