Importance of IAM Programs

IT networks are constantly witnessing threats both from inside and outside an enterprise. Traditional perimeter defenses might miss internal attacks for instance password disclosure and frauds resulting from staff collusion as well as online threats. In order to alleviate the presence of any threats, the modern day IT departments are using companywide identity and access management (IAM) programs that offer end-to-end monitoring of security attacks and provides continuous access to application, information and networks.

Though access to an enterprise resource might be crucial in the daily operations of public, private and government agencies, this access is also required to be very secure and quick. Furthermore, the users need to be able to access network resources for which they need to be easily approved. At the time of their work, the auditors too need to offer recommendations that enhance their enterprise’s identity and access management initiatives. However, before implementing IAM solutions it is crucial to understand what it means and entails.

What is Identity and Access Management (IAM)?

Prior to getting acquainted with the basics that make an IAM program, it is essential for the internal auditors have a clear understanding of the elements that makes the program i.e. identity management and access management. Despite the differences that exist between these practices, several auditors take them to be the same during the auditing process.

By its essence, identity management is the procedure of managing the overall life cycle of digital identities, that comprises people’s profiles, services, systems and the emerging technologies for monitoring access to enterprise resources. Access management on the other hand is the method of regulating access to data assets by offering a policy-based control of who can use a certain system based on an individual’s role and the present role’s allowances and limitations. When these two are combined they form the basis for IAM solution.

Today eminent solution providers specializing in infrastructure management solutions have introduced innovative IAM solutions that offer benefits such as:

·         Unique user experience along with productivity and user empowerment

·         Efficiency in IT and information management

·         Offers accountability and user privacy

·         Provides application development agility

·         Helps in earning ROI

With the increasing amount of identity hazards, there is a crucial need for a comprehensive approach to enhance the IAM programs. Hence, formalized compliance requirements must be enforced in a “top-down” organizational manner. Simultaneously, software development and security professionals are required to work proactively and cooperatively to guarantee that all the systems enforce IAM principles at all levels. Furthermore, the auditors must gather the required expertise in order to offer recommendations that fulfill the enterprise’s IAM requirements.

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