Identity
and Access Management (IAM) is a key component of cybersecurity, allowing
businesses to authenticate and manage user identities. The Identity Defined
Security Alliance (IDSA) report called "Identity Security: A Work in Progress"
reveals alarming statistics, stating that 94% of companies have
suffered data breaches, with nearly 80% occurring in the last two years.
A
survey conducted by the Ponemon Institute suggests that access management
implementation can lead to a 50% reduction in identity-related breaches for businesses. This article
aims to help you grasp IAM basics and sidestep common mistakes with actionable
solutions.
What Is IAM?
Identity
and access management is a system of policies and technologies designed to
ensure that authorised users within or connected to an enterprise have
appropriate access to technology resources. Positioned within the realms of IT
security and data management, IAM comprises key components facilitating
identity management and access control. These elements include:
- Identity management. It encompasses the processes of
generating, modifying and terminating user identities throughout their tenure
within the organisation. These procedures include managing user accounts,
provisioning access and de-provisioning access rights as needed.
- Authentication. It is the procedure of verifying a user's identity
during their access to resources. To ensure the legitimacy of user identities,
IAM employs diverse authentication methods, including passwords, biometrics and
multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Authorisation. Authorisation determines the extent of access and rights
granted to authenticated users, guided by their roles, responsibilities and the
principle of least privilege. Autorisation ensures that users can only access
resources essential for completing their activities.
IAM Implementation Mistakes and
Solutions
1. Unclear objectives
For
the identity and access management implementation to succeed, the IT
architectural vision must align with well-defined business objectives. The
destiny of the program hinges on a thorough understanding of the solution's
scope.
Solution: Organisations need to articulate
their goals with IAM, whether it's strengthening cybersecurity, improving user
experience, or optimising operational efficiency. Creating a comprehensive
roadmap is a key step at this juncture, offering a systematic plan outlining
the necessary actions and measures for a successful IAM implementation.
2. Lack of training
Users
often lack awareness of the full scope of the implemented IAM solution.
Neglecting to inform users about the capabilities of the solution can impede
overall work efficiency.
Solution: The impact of IAM extends across all
organisational stakeholders, reaching from the CEO to the customers. Therefore,
its implementation should not be solely entrusted to the IT department. "IAM is
so transversal within the organisation - we need to work with HR, IT, security,
the full workforce, top management, customers - with everyone, basically", said
BNP Paribus IAM Manager David Doret. So, the responsibility for IAM
implementation should be shared and involve various departments to ensure its
effectiveness.
3. Poor user experience
Should
an IAM solution prove overly complex, users might show resistance or find
alternative methods, jeopardising security.
Solution: To improve subpar user experience
(UX) in IAM solutions, focus on revamping the interface to guarantee a
user-friendly design that aligns with web design principles. Simplify navigation, trim
down unnecessary steps and improve overall usability. A streamlined IAM
interface not only boosts user adoption but also promotes compliance by
decreasing the inclination of users to seek alternative methods.
4. Neglecting the necessity for
scalability
As
mergers and acquisitions become integral to business operations, identity and
access management project plans have to address scalability. This involves
accommodating the expanding size of IT and staying abreast of emerging
technology.
Solution: The access management implementation
plan should include a comprehensive scalability assessment, considering factors
such as user volumes and potential system expansions.
It
should incorporate the design of a flexible architecture that seamlessly adapts
to changes in IT. Also, using cloud-based solutions
for resource scalability, adopting a modular implementation approach and anticipating
emerging technology trends through future-proofing measures are important
steps. Integration of these solutions ensures that IAM systems remain resilient
and adaptable.
5. Overlooking monitoring and
auditing
Monitoring
and conducting audits are needed to assess the security of your organisation's
user profiles. Inactive accounts, improper permissions and excessive privileges
can disrupt business operations and pose security risks.
Solution: Establish policies and procedures to
detect and address shifts in roles, the effectiveness of current protocols and
potential security risks. Regularly conduct access reviews to verify that
employees have the appropriate level of access required for their specific
roles and responsibilities. By implementing these reviews, companies can
substantially reduce the risk of unauthorised access to sensitive data and
systems. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege, ensuring
that employees are granted the minimum necessary access and permissions to
carry out their job functions efficiently.
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