3 Ways Identity and Access Management is Used
Identity and access management is a complicated topic, but there are some basic things that you should know. Identity and access management (IAM) helps control how people can use your company’s IT resources. It also helps keep track of who has been using which resources on what date.
IAM solutions come with two types of products: software and hardware. The difference between the two is that software solutions run on computers while hardware solutions are installed directly onto a server or network device.
Identity and access management is a crucial component of any organization’s security strategy. It can be used in three key ways:
1) Preventing unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data on the company’s network
2) Allowing authorized users only limited privileges for their workstations or applications
3) Providing secure remote access to both external and internal customers who need it
Protects Sensitive Data on a Company’s Network
One of the most common ways IAM solutions are used is to prevent unauthorized users from accessing secured and sensitive data. Unfortunately, without a strong security system in place, it’s easy for hackers and other intruders to access company information they shouldn’t have access to.
Ideally, your IAM solution will be able to identify any suspicious activity on its network and block it before damage can occur. Still, even if an intrusion does happen, experts say that these systems often make successful breaches much more difficult than they would be without them.
A comprehensive IAM program will also protect your sensitive data from being accidentally leaked, or worse – lost due to a security breach. With an IAM system in place that uses strong encryption for all transmissions and storage of information, you can rest easy knowing none of your most confidential company files are at risk.
Allows Authorized Users Only Limited Privileges
Another way identity and access management is commonly used is by providing authorized users with limited privileges when using their workstations or applications. This ensures that no one has excessive power over what another person in the organization can do.
Additionally, identity and access management is great for monitoring employee activity, so you’re always aware of who’s using what resource at any given time- which is helpful when trying to pinpoint a problematic employee or other intruders on the network. Suppose it seems like someone might be stealing money by logging into their boss’ account during work hours, for instance. In that case, an IAM solution should have no problem catching this misuse of resources and flagging it to you to take appropriate measures.
Allows for Monitoring and Reporting of User Activities
Yet another benefit of identity and access management is that it allows for monitoring and reporting of user activities so you’re always aware of who’s using what resource at any given time, as well as how long they’ve been on their computer or mobile device.
With an automated, centralized system of authentication and authorization in place, ensuring that all employees are abiding by company-wide standards becomes much easier than with other methods like emailing or calling around (which takes time away from getting actual work done). You’ll also have a clear audit trail on who accessed what resources when- so if someone’s account gets hacked or they’re misusing their credentials somehow, finding out what happened should be relatively straightforward.
