What does identity and access management mean?
Identity and access management (IAM) ensures the right people and job roles in your organization can securely access the tools they need to do their jobs. IAM extends beyond just users and allows access management for software and hardware, such as IoT devices. IAM consists of both identity management and access management, and can include single sign-on (SSO) and multifactor authentication (MFA).
What is the difference between identity management and access management?
Identity management refers to authenticating users, confirming you are who you say you are. Access management refers to authorizing users and providing access to the correct data and applications you are granted as an authorized user.
What is MFA and SSO?
MFA is an authentication method that requires the user to provide 2 or more verification factors, often a password and token, to gain access to a resource such as an application, online account or VPN. SSO enables users to securely authenticate with multiple applications and websites by using just one set of credentials.
Who should be using an IAM solution?
Every organization should have some level of IAM strategy in place. Whether it’s a small mom and pop shop with 5 users, or a Fortune 500 with thousands of employees, IAM is essential to keeping users, systems and networks secure.
Why do companies need IAM?
Companies need IAM for several reasons:
Improved user experience
· SSO streamlines logging into multiple applications for users
· Reduces password issues and improves efficiency
· Reduces time lost due to password support/resets
Enhanced security
· Validates users’ identity before they have access to resources
· Reduces the risk of compromised or shared passwords
· Role-based access with identity validation
· Prevents over 99% of password-related breaches
Support regulatory compliance
· Helps meet compliance for PCI, HIPAA, CCPA and GDPR
How do I learn more about implementing IAM?
Ingram Micro has several leading IAM vendors including RSA, OKTA, Cisco Duo, Fortinet, WatchGuard, IBM and ESET. If you would like to take a deeper dive into an IAM strategy for you or your customers, our Ingram Micro experts can help.