Organizations rely on cloud applications for their distributed workforces because it’s convenient and effective. However, it brings the need for secure access as well. Hackers are vested in using brute force or phishing attacks on cloud applications to access company resources for their immoral gains.
Even the slightest mismanagement or oversight can compromise the integrity and safety of your data stored on the cloud. Without a proper control system, tracking the usage of credentials is difficult. Therefore, you need to implement an enterprise IAM solution to provide the necessary reliability and flexibility to control user access.
Elements Of An IAM
The entire concept of Identity Access Management revolves around these three elements:
- Identity
An identity consists of characters that include personally identifiable attributes like an email address or name to recognize a user on the network. - Authentication
IAM uses authentication to verify the user who wants to access the cloud is who they say they are. - Authorization
After verification, the user is authorized to access certain networks, applications, or databases according to their roles.
The increase in digitization has added complexity and diversity to cloud environments and remote workspaces. Security threats will rise as more users start accessing applications and resources from remote locations. An IAM system uses these three elements to track the usage of credentials to access your cloud environment.
Once you implement the system, your IT administrator will be capable of enforcing stringent access controls to regulate the users who request access to cloud resources. Additionally, an IAM solution will help your organization to:
- Create and remove users
- Define access privilege according to job roles
- Add additional security layers for those who want to access confidential information
How IAM Positively Impacts Your Organization
If you implement IAM on time, your organization will be able to:
- Improve user experience
IAM allows IT administrators to create unique digital identities for their users, including credentials. Therefore, the IT team will no longer have to manage numerous corporate accounts; the system will do it for them. IAM is always online; it can authenticate and authorize users regardless of their time, location, and device. - Resolve password issues
In addition to making the sign-in process more streamlined, the IAM system can prevent numerous password-related issues by including Multi-Factor authentication. Users can use their biometrics to access cloud resources even if they forget their passwords. - Enhance security
An IAM system facilitates the implementation of adequate security policies across all systems, cloud environments, endpoints, and devices operating in the organization’s ecosystem. Therefore, the IT administrator can instantly identify security violations and rescind access privileges. - Improve compliance with regulations
Data regulations like HIPAA, CCPA, and GDPR hold organizations accountable as they control access to information regarding their employees and customers. These regulations enforce data security, protection, and privacy while defining a representative with access to sensitive information. An IAM system helps organizations meet compliance obligations by adopting best security practices. - Reduce operational costs
Since less effort is required to handle hundreds of identities, there is less need to hire more members. This saves operational costs while improving the overall security infrastructure of the organization. IAM systems rely on artificial intelligence and machine learning automation for managing, authenticating, and authorizing identities.
5 Reasons Why Organizations Implement An IAM System
IAM is gaining popularity among organizations working with a distributed workforce for these five reasons:
Defining access
Organizations can define role-based access privileges for their employees to avoid mishandling sensitive information, as it can compromise the integrity and security of their data. With an IAM system, administrators can segregate the users according to their daily tasks and assign the least privileges. Even when multiple devices use the cloud resources, the administrator can restrict access perimeter to ensure integrity even if one device gets compromised.
Gaining customer satisfaction
Most customers prefer working with businesses that take data security seriously. If you have a solid security structure, you can satisfy their need for security, gain their trust and do long-term business with them. Implementing an IAM system can keep user data secure on multiple platforms by offering additional security layers.
Improving business performance
The best way to increase your business performance is by attracting new customers through your enhanced customer experience and data security. You can use IAM to alleviate security concerns and focus on other aspects that facilitate business growth. A robust Identity Access Management system also ensures secure login for thousands of employees working in large enterprises.
Improving mobility
Organizations with numerous remote workplaces to facilitate their employees rely on IAM to ensure security from internal and external threats. Since employees work outside the organization’s purview, IAM secures mobile operations to improve employee and organizational safety.
Automatically revoking access
Hackers actively look for unused or abandoned accounts to gain unauthorized access to cloud resources. However, you can use IAM as a strategic approach to revoke access privileges as soon as employees leave the organization. Manual de-provisioning can lead to delays in revoking access, which may be enough to compromise the security of your cloud.
Conclusion
As hackers continue to exploit cloud resources through cyber attacks, organizations need a robust management system like IAM to protect themselves. Apart from operation and security benefits, an IAM system will also help you meet regulatory requirements. Adding an additional security layer like MFA can keep you safe even if a hacker uses compromised credentials to access your cloud.
