Identity and access management (IAM) involves managing electronic or digital systems to control user access within the organization. Examples of IAM technology include single sign-on (SSO) systems, two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication, and privileged access management. These innovations help companies secure data storage and governance to share the necessary data with select users.
IAM systems are often used in today's cloud-based business model to strengthen data security and protect organizations from breaches and cyberattacks.
If you are looking to improve your IAM strategy for cloud-based applications, here are some of the most common challenges you must prepare for:
User Password Fatigue
Cloud-based business models often run several applications requiring unique login information and passwords. This accumulation of necessary credentials leads to password fatigue.
Password fatigue applies when users experience diminished productivity and increased frustration. This occurs once they have spent significant time trying to think of, retain, and manage frequently changing passwords across multiple applications.
Cloud-based IAM services can address this challenge by implementing single sign-on (SSO)across all applications, allowing users to access all critical applications and resources with the same username and password. An effective SSO solution can connect to both cloud and on-premises applications, which is beneficial since many organizations require access to both types.
Managing Remote Work Access
The rise of remote work opportunities contributes to companies' reliance on cloud applications. Employees can access these applications from any device as long as they are connected to the internet, making it easier to work from anywhere. However, more mobile devices also mean more access points to manage and support from the IT standpoint.
Fortunately, cloud-based IAM solutions can help IT teams simplify access management across different devices without compromising security. These IAM systems provide browser-based SSO while identifying helpful user context, including details like device type, location, and user behavior.
Manual Access Management
IT teams provide new employees access to company premises and servers through IAM solutions. However, manually provisioning and de-provisioning employee access can be time-consuming and prone to errors. It's not uncommon for resigning employees to get away with stealing essential information because removing their access took too long.
To simplify access management, companies can invest in modern IAM solutions that automate provisioningas part of the onboarding process. New hires would be automatically provisioned with the proper applications and given necessary access permissions to their role as soon as they are added to the employee database.
Similarly, leaving employees would be de-provisioned by the system as soon as their names are taken off the master list.
Compliance and Transparency
Transparency is essential in maintaining data security. The company must know who has access to every application and data server, where they are accessing it, and what exactly they are using it for. A transparent data flow helps the company comply with stringent risk management laws.
There are IAM services that can provide central visibility and control over the systems of the organization. These solutions can help you view who has access rights across different tools and services while generating compliance reports using detailed user and administrator activities.
Crucial for Business
Companies must implement the right solutions to address the growing IAM needs of the fast-paced, digital environment. Thelatest IAM technologiesallow organizations to provide external users access to their networks through mobile applications without compromising security. This remote-friendly strategy encourages collaboration, improves productivity and efficiency, and lessens operating costs.
