Jun 20, 2023
Understanding Identity Access and Management (IAM) Security
Protect your organization from security breaches with our guide to understanding Identity Access and Management (IAM). Learn how to secure your data today.
Jun 20, 2023
Protect your organization from security breaches with our guide to understanding Identity Access and Management (IAM). Learn how to secure your data today.
A crucial component of protecting your organization, identity access and management (IAM) security has become a trusted cybersecurity best practice. It takes control of user access to systems, data, and resources within your company’s networks and manages digital identities, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of your IT security process. At its core, the fabric of IAM security is consistent with the mesh security approach, which consists of a composable, scalable architecture centered on securing identities. Let’s explore IAM security and why it matters for identity and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) security.
IAM plays an important role in protecting an organization’s data. Through programs, policies, and technological tools aimed at reducing identity security risk, it controls and restricts which users have access to sensitive data. In other words, administrators can determine which users are given specific privileges for accessing critical resources or performing certain tasks.
Grip assists customers in a wide range of industries with IAM programs, not only increasing compliance but also improving the organization’s overall efficiency. Below, learn more about IAM cybersecurity, its best practices, and solutions to some common IAM challenges.
When developing your IAM security framework, first consider the size and type of your organization. Day to day, are multiple devices always in use, or is there less technology to keep track of? Does your IAM strategy need to consider shadow SaaS, or outside tools permitted for internal use? Broadly, what are the biggest IT threats facing your industry? The answers to these questions will guide you to the right IAM security solutions.
From managing digital identities to depriving the provision of identity, an effective IAM security framework consists of several fundamentals. These include:
These pillars of IAM contribute to the overall security efforts of your organization. While only the necessary users will have access to data, IAM also ensures compliance with all privacy laws. For example, a healthcare organization’s IAM security plan will be designed to adhere to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Implementing IAM cybersecurity should involve several best practices, such as:
The best passwords use a mix of at least eight numbers, letters, and characters, making it harder for intruders to guess them. For instance, it’s easy for employees to want to use personal information in their passwords, like their birthdays or child’s names. However, including personal information in passwords should be avoided at all costs. Additionally, old passwords should never be reused, and passwords should be updated on a routine basis (i.e. every 30 days).
Things can change quickly, and the roster you had at the beginning of the year could look very different by December. Ensure your administrators are performing regular access reviews and removing privileges from individuals who no longer require them. Limiting the number of users to only your current personnel is a crucial component of sound IAM security.
Also known as least-privilege access, this principle exists to reduce insider threats like account takeovers. Users should only have access to the resources and data that they truly require to perform their jobs. This is also why routine access reviews are so necessary for IAM cloud security, as employee roles can vary at times.
To further mitigate risk, all employees should be educated on commonplace security risks that exist in the world of business, from phishing attacks to malware traps. They should know more than what to avoid clicking on, though. Make employee security training a mandatory practice on a routine basis, as internet threats will continue to evolve in complexity.
When it comes to implementing IAM security tools and technologies, the following items should be included in the overall framework:
While any organization could benefit from enhanced security, better user visibility, and other IAM security advantages, there are some common challenges to overcome when implementing this new framework. These include:
Luckily, these challenges can be overcome with proper planning and implementation, as well as the support of a trusted partner like Grip.
The objectives of IAM security underscore the importance of implementing this vital strategy of protection. It is a means to stop unauthorized users from accessing sensitive information or data, as well as diminish IAM cybersecurity threats that could seriously disrupt your business. When it comes to SaaS risk management and fraud protection implementation, enlisting the assistance of an experienced partner could alleviate strains on your internal resources.
Grip is standing by to modernize your IAM security protocols and provide the solutions needed to facilitate success. Remember: the strength of your organization’s cybersecurity comes down to how thorough and robust its IAM framework is. For more information about IAM security or to implement IAM security best practices at your business, request a demo or get your free SaaS identity security assessment today.
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