Best 10 Identity and Access Management (IAM) Solutions For Enterprise (2026)
We reviewed the leading IAM platforms on the breadth of identity lifecycle management, access policy enforcement quality, and how well each supports hybrid environments with on-premises and cloud applications.
Written by
Mirren McDade
Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
Quick Summary
Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions manage user identities, enforce access policies, and provide security teams with visibility over who has access to what across the organization. Identity has become the primary attack surface in modern enterprise environments — the majority of breaches involve compromised credentials or access abuse. We reviewed the top platforms and found JumpCloud, tenfold, and Thales SafeNet Trusted Access to be the strongest on lifecycle management breadth and hybrid environment support.
Identity and access management (IAM) solutions help organizations control who has access to which systems and data, and under what conditions. IAM is an umbrella term covering the technical platforms, policies, and processes that manage digital identities and regulate access across enterprise environments, ensuring that only the right users, in the right context, can reach the right resources.
IAM adoption is driven by growing threats from data exposure, insider attacks, and the expansion of cloud services, remote workforces, and machine identities. The platforms on this list address those risks by combining SSO, MFA, lifecycle automation, and access governance in solutions that balance security controls with usable experiences for administrators and end users.
Best Identity And Access Management Solutions Shortlist
1. JumpCloud
2. tenfold
3. Thales SafeNet Trusted Access
4. Keeper Security
5. CyberArk Workforce Identity
6. ManageEngine AD360
7. Okta Workforce Identity Cloud
8. Ping Identity
9. Microsoft Entra ID
10. IBM Verify
JumpCloud is an open directory platform that provides a comprehensive suite of identity and access management solutions. Administrators can deliver directory services, SSO, PAM, MFA, and other IAM capabilities to manage users, devices, and secure access across on-premises and cloud resources on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
JumpCloud Key Features
JumpCloud enables zero-touch onboarding to provision users and devices anywhere with automated workflows from a single web console. Adaptive secure remote access requires MFA for high-value resources but relaxes authentication for day-to-day access on trusted devices and networks. Zero Trust capabilities ensure users only access the resources they need from trusted devices and networks.
The platform is entirely cloud-based and connects employees to virtually any resource while configuring and securing remote devices wherever they work. JumpCloud has been used by over 200,000 organizations worldwide.
Our Take
We recommend JumpCloud for organizations looking for a flexible and secure IAM solution that supports remote, hybrid, and on-premises work environments. The zero-touch onboarding and adaptive access controls are good to see.
Strengths
- Zero-touch onboarding provisions users and devices anywhere via automated workflows
- Adaptive access relaxes MFA for trusted devices while enforcing it for high-value resources
- Comprehensive IAM suite covering directory services, SSO, PAM, and MFA
- Cloud-based platform supports remote, hybrid, and on-premises environments
- Cross-platform support for Windows, Linux, and macOS
Cautions
- Pricing not publicly available; requires contacting sales for a quote
tenfold is an identity and access management platform built for mid-market organizations that need structured permission management without enterprise-grade complexity. We think the no-code approach to workflow configuration is the key differentiator; you build onboarding, offboarding, and approval chains without scripting. The platform automates user provisioning across on-premises and cloud environments, with self-service access requests and detailed compliance reporting. More than 1,000 organizations globally use tenfold to manage user permissions.
tenfold Key Features
The no-code workflow builder configures onboarding and offboarding processes, permission assignments, and approval chains without custom development. When HR adds a new employee via API or CSV upload, tenfold automatically generates usernames, email addresses, and assigns default permissions based on department and role. Users can be provisioned to specific roles and offices, and end users can request access to files and applications directly from the data owner without creating an IT support ticket. The recertification feature sends managers regular reminders to review and validate team access rights, with everything logged and timestamped for auditors. Out-of-the-box plugins cover Microsoft 365, Active Directory, SAP ERP, HCL Notes, and more, with custom integrations available via REST APIs. MFA is available for accessing all tenfold accounts. Minimum licensing is 100 users, scaling up to 7,000+.
Our Take
We think tenfold is a strong option for compliance-driven mid-market organizations that face recurring audit pressure and need provable access governance. The dashboard is clear and easy to use; adding new users is straightforward, and clicking a department folder shows all users assigned to it with drag-and-drop reassignment. The platform saves a significant amount of management overhead by automating account provisioning and enabling user self-service. Compliance reporting covers GDPR, SOX, HIPAA, and ISO 27001, and the recertification workflows address real pain points for audit preparation. Something to be aware of is that the platform has a lot of functionality, particularly in policy workflows, which can be complex to configure initially. tenfold is delivered in three editions, Essentials, Essentials 365, and Enterprise, with pricing from around $0.90 to $1.25 per user depending on subscription size. The platform is commonly used in healthcare, manufacturing, and insurance, and lends itself to traditional network environments with a hybrid cloud or remote element.
Strengths
- No-code workflow builder for onboarding, offboarding, and approvals
- Automated user provisioning turns hours of manual work into seconds
- Self-service access requests reduce IT support overhead
- Automated recertification with audit-ready logging and timestamps
- Compliance reporting covers GDPR, SOX, HIPAA, and ISO 27001
- Out-of-the-box plugins for Microsoft 365, Active Directory, SAP ERP, and more
Cautions
- Not suited to organizations under 100 users
- Granular policy management has a learning curve due to platform depth
Thales is a global technology company providing security and identity solutions for more than 30,000 organizations in 68 countries. SafeNet Trusted Access is their cloud-based access management platform that brings SSO, risk-based MFA, and granular access policies together in one integrated service. Gartner recognized Thales as a Visionary in the Magic Quadrant for Access Management in November 2025.
Thales SafeNet Trusted Access Key Features
The platform provides a single pane of glass across the entire application estate, giving admins clear visibility into who is accessing what and when. Smart SSO lets users authenticate once and access all their cloud applications, while adaptive MFA evaluates login context and adjusts requirements based on risk. Admins define flexible scenario-based policies at the user, group, or application level, ensuring the right individuals get access to the right applications at the right time. Compliance reporting is built in, with visibility into all access events. As a cloud-based service, SafeNet Trusted Access deploys quickly and scales as organizational needs evolve. The platform supports 150-plus out-of-the-box integrations, including privileged access management providers.
Our Take
We recommend SafeNet Trusted Access for enterprises that need centralized identity and access management with strong compliance visibility. The combination of SSO, adaptive MFA, and granular policy controls in a single cloud platform simplifies what would otherwise require multiple point solutions. The scalability and fast cloud deployment make it practical for organizations growing or consolidating their identity infrastructure.
Strengths
- Single pane of glass provides clear access visibility across the entire app estate
- Adaptive MFA adjusts authentication dynamically based on login context and risk
- Compliance reporting built in with full access event visibility
- Cloud-based deployment scales quickly as organizational needs change
Cautions
- Pricing not publicly available; requires contacting Thales for a quote
Keeper Security is a zero-knowledge password management platform that extends into privileged access management, secrets handling, and remote browser isolation. We think it fits mid-sized to large organizations that want to build identity controls outward from credential management, with the option to add PAM and secrets management as needs grow.
Keeper Security Key Features
The vault stores usernames, passwords, and MFA codes together, with the KeeperFill browser extension handling autofill across sites and apps. AES-256 encryption with PBKDF2 and Elliptic Curve Cryptography protects all vault data, and zero-knowledge architecture means even Keeper cannot access stored credentials. SSO is supported via SAML 2.0, with SCIM provisioning and AD/LDAP sync on the Enterprise plan. KeeperPAM adds privileged session management with recording across RDP, SSH, VNC, and databases, plus remote browser isolation for VPN-free access to internal web apps. BreachWatch monitors the dark web for compromised credentials.
Our Take
We were impressed by the depth of features available from one platform. In our 14-day trial, we found the admin console fast, responsive, and easy to use. The ability to extend from password management into PAM, secrets management, and browser isolation without switching platforms is a meaningful advantage. Keeper supports 70,000 business customers and has never suffered a breach of end-user credentials. Pricing starts at $2 per user per month for Business Starter, $3.75 for Business, and $5 for Enterprise. KeeperPAM is $85 per user per month. With that said, advanced reporting and dark web monitoring are only available as paid add-ons, which can push up total costs. If you need a password-first identity platform that scales into PAM and secrets management, Keeper is well worth considering.
Strengths
- Zero-knowledge encryption protects credentials from all parties including Keeper
- Stores passwords and MFA codes together for simplified authentication
- KeeperPAM and Secrets Manager extend into PAM and machine identity
- No reported breaches of end-user credentials in company history
Cautions
- Advanced reporting and dark web monitoring only available as paid add-ons
- Users report pricing changes at renewal have surprised some customers
CyberArk Workforce Identity
CyberArk Workforce Identity is an identity security platform with roots in privileged access management, covering both human and machine identities across business applications, hybrid cloud workloads, distributed workforces, and DevOps environments. Palo Alto Networks acquired CyberArk in February 2026 for approximately $25 billion, positioning CyberArk’s identity capabilities as a core component of Palo Alto’s security platform. CyberArk’s solutions continue as a standalone platform while integration is underway. We found the access review capabilities are the standout: the platform centralizes user access across applications, making it possible to audit who has access to what without spreadsheets.
CyberArk Workforce Identity Key Features
SSO secures access to all resources employees need across cloud and on-premises applications, while MFA validates identities with AI-powered, passwordless, and risk-aware authentication. The access review workflows centralize certification across applications so system owners can complete reviews from a single interface. Lifecycle management streamlines creating app accounts, terminating access, and managing access requests. The Directory Service manages both on-premises and cloud-based identities, groups, and devices, while endpoint authentication extends MFA coverage to endpoints. Developer tools make integration into existing stacks practical. The broader CyberArk Identity Security Platform also covers PAM, secrets management, and machine identity, giving organizations a path to consolidated identity security.
What Customers Say
Users consistently highlight implementation speed, with several describing it as the easiest identity project they have run. Customer support gets strong marks for responsiveness. The modern UI makes reviewers willing to engage with access certification tasks. Some customers note the platform is still maturing in certain areas, with integration coverage gaps meaning some legacy platforms require manual data handling. Dashboard and reporting capabilities are limited without BI tool integration.
Our Take
We think CyberArk Workforce Identity fits organizations that need strong access review and certification capabilities alongside SSO and MFA, particularly those managing both human and machine identities. The Palo Alto Networks acquisition is recent, so evaluate the combined platform roadmap and how it affects your deployment plans. For organizations needing deep lifecycle automation, pair it with a dedicated IGA tool.
Strengths
- Access review workflows eliminate spreadsheet-based certification
- Covers human and machine identities across cloud and on-premises environments
- Fast implementation compared to typical identity platform deployments
- AI-powered risk detection for identity decisions
Cautions
- Reviews note integration coverage gaps require manual handling for some legacy platforms
- Dashboard and reporting limited without BI tool integration
ManageEngine AD360
ManageEngine, a division of Zoho Corporation, offers AD360: a comprehensive identity and access management platform that bundles secure SSO, MFA, and access management for Active Directory users. ADSelfService Plus is available as a standalone solution or as part of the broader AD360 suite, which adds identity governance, directory management, and auditing capabilities.
ManageEngine AD360 Key Features
AD360 provides a seamless end-user experience by authenticating identity through Active Directory domain credentials with a required second factor. The platform supports 19 authentication methods including security questions, authenticator apps, and facial recognition, ensuring only authorized users access sensitive applications and data. Admins manage authentication and custom password policies from a comprehensive admin console. The solution is easy to install with options for server or machine deployment in 64-bit or 32-bit versions. As a broader IAM suite, AD360 extends beyond authentication to cover identity lifecycle management, Active Directory auditing, and compliance reporting.
Our Take
We recommend AD360 for larger organizations, particularly in finance, IT, healthcare, and government, that need a unified IAM platform covering authentication, SSO, password management, and identity governance. The tight Active Directory integration makes it a natural fit for AD-first environments. If you need more than just MFA and SSO, the broader AD360 suite consolidates identity management into one platform rather than requiring multiple point solutions.
Strengths
- Unified IAM suite combines SSO, MFA, identity governance, and AD auditing
- 19 authentication methods with conditional access policies per user group
- Tight Active Directory integration with automatic user lifecycle management
- Comprehensive admin console for managing policies across the organization
Cautions
- Pricing not publicly listed for the full AD360 suite; requires contacting ManageEngine
Okta Workforce Identity Cloud
Okta Workforce Identity Cloud is an enterprise IAM platform, built for the cloud but compatible with on-premises applications, used by over 19,000 organizations worldwide. It targets enterprises needing a unified identity platform across cloud and on-premises applications with the widest integration catalog available. Okta Workforce Identity enables digital account protection for global teams, supporting cloud applications and hybrid environments with a consistent end-user experience across all corporate accounts. We think the integration range is what sets Okta apart: over 7,000 pre-built connectors mean most applications work out of the box.
Okta Workforce Identity Cloud Key Features
The Universal Directory centralizes users, groups, and devices for consistent policy enforcement. Over 7,000 pre-built integrations cover most enterprise applications immediately. SSO, MFA, lifecycle management, and adaptive security policies operate from the universal directory. The tile-based interface gives end users a single login that surfaces all applications without password juggling. Users can request access to new applications directly from the landing page, simplifying provisioning workflows. The access gateway extends Okta’s modern identity controls to on-premises applications while keeping the hybrid cloud protected. API access management secures service-to-service and developer integrations. Okta acquired Axiom Security in 2025 to expand privileged access controls with just-in-time access and cloud infrastructure coverage.
What Customers Say
Users praise how intuitive the platform feels for both administrators and end users. Deployment documentation is clear, and time to value comes quickly. Support is responsive and knowledgeable. Remote teams appreciate the consistent authentication experience across devices. Some customers report pricing increases significantly when adding advanced MFA and lifecycle features. Outages affect access to all connected applications simultaneously.
Our Take
We think Okta is the natural starting point for cloud-first organizations that need the widest integration catalog and a clean end-user experience. It works well for global teams managing access across a large and diverse application ecosystem. If your environment is primarily Microsoft, Entra ID may deliver tighter integration at lower cost. Invest time in understanding the admin console layout and policy interactions before going live.
Strengths
- Over 7,000 pre-built integrations cover most enterprise apps
- Universal Directory centralizes users, groups, and devices
- Clean tile interface gives users single-login access to all applications
- Access gateway extends identity controls to on-premises applications
Cautions
- Reviews note pricing increases when adding advanced MFA and lifecycle features
- Outages affect access to all connected applications simultaneously
Ping Identity
Ping Identity is an enterprise IAM platform that helps global organizations achieve Zero Trust identity security and deliver consistent authentication experiences across cloud, mobile, SaaS, and on-premises environments. Ping serves major financial institutions and biopharmaceutical organizations that require enterprise-grade authentication and authorization at scale. Ping completed its merger with ForgeRock in August 2023, combining both companies’ identity capabilities under one platform. We think the modular approach is the key strength: PingFederate, PingAccess, PingDirectory, and PingID let you assemble the exact capabilities your environment needs.
Ping Identity Key Features
Federated identity management and self-hosted deployment options give enterprises flexibility in how they manage and serve identities across organizational boundaries. The modular product suite lets you deploy only the capabilities you need. The platform aggregates identity data from multiple directories into a single source of truth, simplifying governance across fragmented systems. Passwordless authentication and real-time risk-aware authorization stand out for security-conscious teams. AI-driven behavior analysis detects anomalies before they become incidents, integrating multiple risk and fraud signals into policy enforcement. MFA works offline, which matters for field workers or environments with unreliable connectivity. The ForgeRock merger adds full identity lifecycle management, role modeling, and recertification capabilities.
What Customers Say
Users praise how administrator-friendly the core products feel once configured. The swipe-to-authenticate flow eliminates code entry. MFA protects accounts even when passwords are compromised. Banking and financial services customers praise the authentication and authorization strength. Some users flag that PingAuthorize and PingDirectory interfaces feel complex. Role management and entitlement configuration require significant effort. The mobile app occasionally delays push notifications.
Our Take
We think Ping Identity fits large enterprises managing identity across a mix of cloud, on-premises, and API endpoints that need architectural flexibility. The federated identity management and protocol support give you a foundation that handles complex multi-protocol environments. If you need a simpler deployment with less configuration overhead, cloud-native platforms like Okta or JumpCloud may deliver faster time to value.
Strengths
- Federated identity management and self-hosted options for complex enterprise environments
- Modular product suite lets you deploy only what you need
- Offline MFA works without network connectivity
- ForgeRock merger adds identity lifecycle and governance capabilities
Cautions
- Reviews note PingDirectory and PingAuthorize feel complex for new admins
- Role management and entitlement configuration require significant setup effort
Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) is the cloud-based identity and access management backbone for organizations running Microsoft 365 and Azure. It is designed to help employees sign into their accounts and access the applications and resources they need, managing over 1.2 billion identities worldwide and processing over 8 billion authentications daily. We think this is the natural starting point if Microsoft 365 runs your environment: SSO, MFA, conditional access, and lifecycle management operate natively without separate infrastructure.
Microsoft Entra ID Key Features
Conditional access policies enforce Zero Trust controls based on user identity, device compliance, location, and risk level. MFA options include passwordless authentication via Microsoft Authenticator, FIDO2 security keys, and Windows Hello. Self-service password reset reduces help desk volume significantly. License assignments, group allocations, and role management automate across Microsoft products and thousands of third-party applications. Core identity features are included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions at no extra cost. The Graph API enables deep automation for organizations building custom identity workflows. Entra Agent ID, currently in public preview, extends conditional access and identity governance to AI agent identities.
What Customers Say
Users praise straightforward initial setup for organizations already running M365. The centralized admin experience simplifies permission management. Support quality gets consistently high marks. Developers find integration easy through the Graph API. Some customers flag that advanced features like access reviews and risk-based sign-in protection require expensive P2 licensing. Settings spread across multiple admin portals, fragmenting the management experience. Troubleshooting conditional access issues can be slow due to limited error transparency.
Our Take
We think Entra ID is the logical identity foundation if Microsoft 365 is your primary productivity platform. The conditional access engine and native integration deliver strong value at no extra cost for core features. Budget for P2 licensing at $9/user/month if you need advanced access reviews, risk-based sign-in, and identity governance. For multi-cloud or vendor-neutral environments, Okta or JumpCloud may provide more flexibility.
Strengths
- Native M365 and Azure integration with no separate infrastructure
- Conditional access enforces Zero Trust based on device, location, and risk
- Core identity features included with M365 subscriptions
- Passwordless authentication via Authenticator, FIDO2, and Windows Hello
Cautions
- Advanced security features require P2 licensing at $9/user/month beyond base subscription
- Admin settings spread across multiple portals creating a fragmented experience
IBM Verify
IBM Verify is an enterprise identity-as-a-service platform for organizations managing identities across hybrid multi-cloud environments. The platform covers SSO, MFA, adaptive access, identity governance, PAM, and CIAM in one suite. We think the reverse proxy capabilities and adaptive access engine are the standouts for organizations with complex infrastructure that need load balancing, SSL termination, and risk-based authentication decisions in one platform.
IBM Verify Key Features
The reverse proxy handles load balancing, SSL termination, and hides internal server details from external users. Adaptive access adjusts authentication requirements based on real-time risk signals. MFA, SSO, and passwordless authentication cover the expected bases. Identity analytics detect anomalies and support compliance requirements with custom activity reports. Federation capabilities extend identity controls across organizational boundaries. The platform supports cloud, on-premises, and hybrid deployments. A 2026 release added user-level threat blocking during SSO flows, extending existing IP-based protections to individual user accounts.
What Customers Say
Users highlight how effectively the platform meets the needs of integrated services. The reverse proxy and federation features get consistent praise from teams managing complex environments. Security capabilities deliver what enterprises expect from IBM. Some customers flag documentation gaps as a significant pain point, with expired links and limited depth. Community support is weak compared to competitors, leaving teams dependent on IBM direct support. The GUI occasionally throws errors on actions that succeed via command line. Performance can lag even with adequate infrastructure.
Our Take
We think IBM Verify fits regulated enterprises with complex hybrid infrastructure that need consent management, federation, and adaptive access controls. The compliance depth and analytics justify the investment for the right audience. If your team needs strong community resources or modern documentation, the learning curve may be steeper than competitors. For organizations without significant compliance or federation requirements, cloud-native platforms may deliver faster time to value.
Strengths
- Reverse proxy handles load balancing and SSL termination in one platform
- Adaptive access adjusts authentication based on real-time risk signals
- Federation extends identity controls across organizational boundaries
- Supports cloud, on-premises, and hybrid deployments
Cautions
- Reviews flag documentation gaps with expired links and limited depth
- Community support is weak compared to competitors
Other Identity And Access Management Services
A cloud-based access security platform that provides multi-factor authentication, access management, and endpoint security.
An open-source IAM platform that offers identity management, access management, and identity governance solutions.
An identity assurance platform that offers secure, passwordless authentication and automated identity verification solutions.
Provides a broad range of IAM solutions, including identity governance, access management, and privileged access management.
A comprehensive IAM solution that provides identity governance, access management, and privileged access management capabilities.
How We Compared The Best Identity And Access Management Solutions
We evaluated IAM platforms on the breadth of their SSO and MFA capabilities, integration catalog size, lifecycle automation depth, deployment flexibility across cloud and on-premises environments, compliance reporting coverage, access governance features, and customer feedback on usability and support quality. We also considered how recent acquisitions and product mergers have changed each platform’s roadmap and feature set.
What To Look For In An Identity And Access Management Solution
SSO and integration breadth matter most for day-to-day adoption. A platform with a narrow integration catalog creates friction and shadow IT. Look for pre-built connectors to the applications your organization already uses, plus SCIM and LDAP support for custom provisioning. MFA options should include passwordless methods such as FIDO2, passkeys, and authenticator apps alongside traditional codes and hardware tokens. Adaptive authentication that adjusts requirements based on device posture, location, and risk signals reduces unnecessary friction for low-risk access while protecting sensitive resources. Lifecycle automation handles joiners, movers, and leavers without manual tickets, and access governance features such as certifications and recertification campaigns keep permissions clean over time. For organizations with Active Directory infrastructure, look for native AD integration or hybrid connectors rather than relying solely on cloud-native federation. Compliance reporting is a practical consideration for teams facing GDPR, SOX, HIPAA, or ISO 27001 audits. Finally, evaluate deployment model options if your environment is not fully cloud-native.
The Bottom Line
The right IAM solution depends on your environment, compliance requirements, and how you want to grow your identity controls over time. Microsoft Entra ID is the logical foundation for M365-heavy organizations and costs nothing extra for core features. Okta is the strongest choice for cloud-first teams that need the widest integration catalog. JumpCloud suits multi-platform mid-sized organizations that want identity and device management in one console. Ping Identity and IBM Verify serve large enterprises with complex hybrid infrastructure or strict compliance requirements. CyberArk Workforce Identity brings the strongest access review and PAM heritage, now as part of Palo Alto Networks. ManageEngine AD360 and tenfold deliver strong value for organizations that want governance and compliance reporting without enterprise pricing.
FAQs
Identity And Access Management: Everything You Need To Know (FAQs)
Our digital identities contain information that defines our role and our level of access in the overall enterprise hierarchy, as well as information about who we are and how to contact us. Identities do not remain stagnant and evolve over time – if there is a change to the role or work technologies, for example. The role of an identity management solution is to keep tabs on these changes to effectively identify individuals, ensuring that the correct people are granted appropriate access.
Identity management involves authenticating digital identities to ensure that a user is authentic, and that they have the correct permissions for being permitted access to a particular network are or service. Any identity that cannot be verified, or does not have the correct permission level, should be prevented from accessing resources.
Authentication and authorization are not the same thing, and both are required to be permitted access. Your identity can be authenticated (proof that you are who you say you are), but that does not mean you have authorization to access a particular area.
Identity access control software facilitates attributes based access control, while identity protection services work to evaluate those attributes based on policies to make an access decision.
Identity and access management is a term that does not stand for a clearly defined system. A range of different functionalities are covered by IAM solutions, but the precise scope of features will differ from one product to the next. IAM solutions give companies the capability to manage users and permissions for various systems and applications, all within one central platform. Automation is a key component for managing digital identities, and is achieved through standardizing processes and workflows across multiple user accounts.
The core properties of an IAM system include the ability to identify, authenticate and authorize. The system will permit access to the desired resources only to the correct people, excluding access to any who are not authorized. System administrators are able to define policies that explain who should be permitted access specific network areas, without compromising security.
An IAM framework includes certain core components, including:
- A database that holds all user information and access privileges
- IAM tools that allow you to create, monitor, modify, and delete access privileges
- A system that allows for auditing login and access history
The list of access privileges needs to be kept up to date, altering as new users start, old users leave, or in response to a role change. IAM functions typically fall under IT departments in charge of handling cybersecurity and data management.
Identity and access management software can be deployed on-premises, or alternatively businesses can take a cloud-based approach. With on-premises deployment, software must be installed on your own computers. Cloud resources, on the other hand, can be deployed quickly and easily without requiring any additional installation.
Not having an IAM strategy is simply not an option today. With hybrid workplaces and so many remote employees, identity and identity compromise is one of the biggest cause of breaches. Users will always need to access data and tools that are restricted from general use. The more robust your identity security, the more comprehensive your overall security will be. This type of solution also makes it easier for users who can use biometric authentication and SSO, for instance, rather than having to manage multiple passwords.
One of the main tasks facing IT teams today is determining how best to protect the identities of their remote workers while ensuring they can still access the resources they need to fulfill their work tasks. IAM supports this by enforcing individual, personalized security.
The benefits of utilizing IAM are obvious but may not seem necessary for every enterprise at first glance. However, all organizations that have users logging into a restricted area can benefit from IAM.
The best way to compare identity security solutions is to first get a clear id
The best way to compare identity sec solutions is to first get a clear idea of your organization’s specific needs. These needs may differ widely depending on industry, number of users, and other risk factors. Once you have a clear understanding of your need, read our buyers guide to understand the top solutions on the market. Your decision may come down to a specific capability, familiarity with the security vendor offering the solution, or specific recommendations from peers.
With such a wide range of IAM solutions available on the market, enterprises may struggle to narrow down their choices. One way to do this is to carry out the following activities:
- Conduct a full audit of legacy systems, particularly if you have applications in the cloud and on-premises
- Identify and outline existing security gaps for both internal and external stakeholders
- Define the different types of users and the specific access rights they will require
Once you have a firm idea of your organization’s security needs, it is time to pick the IAM solution best suited to them. You may choose a standalone solution, a managed identity service, or a cloud subscription service from a third party, such as an Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS).
Solutions will differ from vendor to vendor, but typically should include the following features to be considered a robust solution:
- MFA. This is an absolute must-have that any decent IAM solution should be including. MFA is undeniably safer than using a single authentication method (like a passcode or password/login).
- Passwordless authentication. Passwordless authentication options streamline login process whilst maintaining a robust security standard.
- Privileged Account Management (PAM). Privileged accounts are a particularly vulnerable to attack as these accounts have a high level of access. Compromising a privileged account is an attractive target for attackers. There should be as limited a number of privileged accounts as possible – this way you can reduce the attack surface. IAM solutions should have appropriate and additional controls in place to manage privileged accounts and keep them safe.
- Role-based access control. Organizations utilizing role-based access control will have greater control over their permission, increasing security in critical areas through ensuring that that users only have access to information they absolutely need to do their job role. This comes under the category of zero-trust infrastructure.
- Audit and compliance compatibility. It is increasingly important to be able to provide a comprehensive digital trail for audit purposes and to maintain compliance. A good IAM system should be able to provide this information regarding all users’ access across all digital files.
In your network, who has access to what? If this is not a simple to answer question, there is a chance that the level of data security in your company is lacking. The most significant threat to your organization’s sensitive data is not the infamous hacker, hidden away and hatching plans to poke holes in your defenses. Instead, the greatest danger comes from within. It’s your employees, coworkers, contractors, and – more often than not – it is entirely unintentional. Simply having too many access points can make it so that generally trustworthy employees become a weak point in your armor.
Identity and access management solutions are not only helpful for users, security and IT admins, they are beneficial for enterprises as a whole. There is a range of benefits to having a good IAM framework in place, including:
1) Making The Lives Of End-Users Simpler
With an IAM system enabled, access to corporate systems is granted to users––including employees, contractors, third parties, vendors, customers, guests, and partners–– regardless of their location, the time, or even the device they are using. IT administrators can negate the need for users to manage multiple accounts for all corporate applications or resources by using IAM systems to form a unique digital identity for every one of their users, which includes a single set of credentials.
This streamlined identity security reduces the likelihood of employees ending up locked out of their accounts for long stretches of time, waiting for assistance to reset their passwords or to be provided access, and could help to boost productivity.
With the use of a method of authentication like single sign-on, users can use their unique digital identity to gain access to cloud-based, web-based, SaaS, and virtual applications. SSO helps by easing the friction of the authentication process and contributes to the improvement of user experiences.
2) Improved Password Safety
IAM systems not only allow for a far smoother sign-on process and boost employee productivity, they also contribute to the eradication of outdated and unsecure password practices like reusing passwords or sharing passwords between users insecurely.
One of the most common causes of data breaches is compromised user credentials, with as much as 81% of hacking-related breaches resulting from compromised passwords. This is not surprising, considering that at least 60% of people are regularly reusing passwords across multiple sites despite the known risks of doing so (read more about these risks in our blog: 5 Reasons You Should Never Reuse Passwords). With the password management features offered by many IAM systems, security admins can more easily encourage password best practices––strong authentication measures, frequent password updates, and minimum character lengths––to boost security and prevent common risky password security mistakes.
3) Stronger Data Security
IAM solutions help organizations to identify and mitigate security risks. With IAM policies applied across the whole company, it becomes easier to identify policy violations and cut off access to certain privileges, without the need to search through multiple distributed systems. IAM can also be leveraged to make sure that any security measures that are in place are meeting regulatory and audit requirements. These policies also reduce the threat of internal attacks, as employees are only granted access to systems up to a certain level necessary to perform their role and are unable to escalate privileges without approval or a role change. An IAM can help avoid the spread of compromised login credentials, block unauthorized entry to the organization’s network, and offer protection against a range of cyber-attacks including ransomware, hacking, and phishing.
Increasingly, IAM systems are making use of automation, identity analytics capabilities, and AI and machine learning, which allows them to identify and prevent unusual activity. Also, by using an IAM system, IT departments can keep track of how and where users’ credentials are being used, so admins can more easily identify which data may have been compromised in the event of a data breach.
4) Simplified Security Processes
Having a good IAM system in place for your organization comes with the advantage of boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of your security team by making their lives simpler. Whenever there is an update to an existing security policy, all access privileges can be changed in one sweep across the organization. If your IT administrators can use IAM to allow or deny access, based on predefined user roles already organized neatly in a database, this not only makes the whole process more secure by reducing the likelihood of granting unauthorized access to the wrong users, it also cuts down considerably the amount of time needed to onboard and offboard users.
To prevent any unauthorized individuals from accessing certain resources, security admins can apply to user roles the principle of ‘least privilege’. This means that users are provided with the minimum level of access or permissions required to perform their job functions, which helps by ensuring that employees, contractors, partners and guests can be easily and quickly set up with access to just the resources they need, without compromising data security.
Federated identity management – which SSO is a subset of – works by linking user identities across multiple organizations. With federated identity management, companies and partners can make a noticeable reduction to overhead costs, through sharing a single application for all user identities.
5) Maintain And Demonstrate Regulatory Compliance
Security is also a matter of law, regulation, and contracts. A number of regulations have data security, privacy, and protection mandates in place that relate directly to IAM, including HIPAA, GDPR, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and PCI DSS. In order to demonstrate compliance, organizations need to understand and be able to verify protections for their data, including who has been permitted access to it, what protections are in place to regulate that access, the process to revoke access, and how the management of passwords works.
In the event of a compliance audit, identity management systems also help IT admins to demonstrate that the proper controls are in place to protect corporate information and to prove how, and in what situations, user credentials are used.
6) Management And IT Costs Are Reduced
Up to 50% of helpdesk calls are password-related, typically from users looking to reset their passwords. For a large organization, staffing and infrastructure to handle password-related support costs could equate to over $1 million a year, according to Forrester Research. An IAM system makes managing help desk employees and administrators simpler and significantly reduces the amount of time spent on minor security tasks like helping users who have been locked out of their account gain back access. Instead, that time can go to more important tasks.
Consolidating user accounts into singular identities can come with the added benefit of negating other enterprise expenditures. For example, the cost of managing identities across multiple (often legacy) applications can be reduced using federated identities. With the use of a cloud-based IAM service, you can also reduce or even eliminate the cost of purchasing and maintaining on-premises IAM systems.
Written By
Mirren McDade is a senior writer and journalist at Expert Insights, spending each day researching, writing, editing and publishing content, covering a variety of topics and solutions, and interviewing industry experts.
She is an experienced copywriter with a background in a range of industries, including cloud business technologies, cloud security, information security and cyber security, and has conducted interviews with several industry experts.
Mirren holds a First Class Honors degree in English from Edinburgh Napier University.
Technical Review
Laura Iannini is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Expert Insights. With deep cybersecurity knowledge and strong research skills, she leads Expert Insights’ product testing team, conducting thorough tests of product features and in-depth industry analysis to ensure that Expert Insights’ product reviews are definitive and insightful.
Laura also carries out wider analysis of vendor landscapes and industry trends to inform Expert Insights’ enterprise cybersecurity buyers’ guides, covering topics such as security awareness training, cloud backup and recovery, email security, and network monitoring. Prior to working at Expert Insights, Laura worked as a Senior Information Security Engineer at Constant Edge, where she tested cybersecurity solutions, carried out product demos, and provided high-quality ongoing technical support.
Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida.