Identity Access Management ? An Overview

Posted by dunitzsantrino on August 1st, 2014

With the increased use of computers in almost every part of life, online identity has become very important. In computing language identity access management (IAM) is a framework that is used to create, maintain and track electronic identities. Identify management is a large area that covers management of individuals in a network, authenticating individual access to certain areas and authorizing them to perform certain functions on particular systems. So, one can say that IAM is a sub division of identity management. IAM provides all the technological support required for identity access management.

Identity management software programs allow one to keep track of various functionalities of a system. From products to applications and other aspects, identity management identifies and tracks all the features of each and every system. Identity management can be described as a huge umbrella that protects a particular system from cyber threats.

The basic functions of identity access management include:

•Creating, managing and deleting users (identities)

•Enabling an authenticated user to access particular systems

•Offer presence-based service to all the authorized identities

In order to ensure smooth and seamless performance, IAM requires a high-end software program that works in all conditions and is tamper proof. The program should be able to differentiate between a genuine user and a fake one, and should be able to provide the required credentials to the right person without fail.

A good identity management software should be able to provide comprehensive security to the network and processes. If the IAM is not of the standard quality, then the company will not be able to vouchsafe for the security of the data they deal with. It could also lead to misuse of data, and finally no confidence of the client on the company.

What are the various functionalities of an identity access management system? The first and foremost function is authentication. The system should be able to identify a true user and provide access. The user’s identification can be validated using fingerprints, cornea pattern or even a pattern on a touch screen. Passwords and authentication questions can also be used to ensure the user’s identity. Once the user is identified as genuine, the access management system should grant the user access to pre-defined systems, and also prevent them from accessing networks that they don’t have authentication for. Identity management software program can also be designed to define the roles for different users. An administrator will have complete rights to make any change in the system, while a visitor will just be able to view certain parts of the network.