Best 9 Microsoft Entra ID Alternatives For Identity Management (2026)
We reviewed 9 Microsoft Entra ID alternatives on identity lifecycle management, SSO and MFA capabilities, and how well each supports environments that extend beyond Microsoft's ecosystem. Some offer capabilities Entra ID does not.
Written by
Mirren McDade
Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
Quick Summary
Microsoft Entra ID is the cloud identity platform included in Microsoft 365, well-suited for Microsoft-centric environments. Organizations with multi-cloud infrastructure or non-Microsoft SaaS estates often require alternatives. We reviewed 9 alternatives and found Thales SafeNet Trusted Access, Flexible Authentication, Centralized Control, and Real-World Experience to be the strongest on IAM depth, SSO capability, and hybrid environment support.
Microsoft Entra ID dominates enterprise identity conversations, particularly in Microsoft-first organizations. But not every team fits that template. Some organizations need identity platforms that work equally well across multi-cloud environments, others require federation depth that Entra ID doesn’t provide at accessible price points, and still others have already invested in competing ecosystems that make Entra ID redundant.
The real problem is that evaluating Entra ID alternatives feels risky. The platform is familiar, the licensing complexity is known, and the integrations are assumed. Switching identity platforms touches every application in your stack, every user workflow, and every compliance control. Get it wrong, and you’re explaining authentication delays to your entire organization.
We evaluated multiple alternatives across different architectural approaches: cloud-native platforms for hybrid environments, consolidated identity plus device management solutions, and specialized players for organizations with unique federation or compliance requirements. Each was tested for integration breadth, policy flexibility, admin complexity, and real-world deployment friction.
This guide identifies where each alternative excels and where the trade-offs might make sense for your specific environment.
Our Recommendations
Choosing an Entra ID alternative depends on your application portfolio, compliance posture, and tolerance for administrative complexity. Here’s how to narrow the options by use case.
Best For Hybrid Cloud Environments: Ping Identity and Oracle Cloud IAM both excel when your identity infrastructure spans on-premises systems, multiple cloud providers, and modern SaaS applications. Ping offers deeper integration flexibility with SAML, OIDC, and OAuth2; Oracle shines for teams already committed to the Oracle ecosystem with API-first administration.
Best For Enterprise Scale With Broadest Integration: Okta Workforce Identity Cloud is the market leader for a reason. With 7,000+ pre-built connectors, universal directory controls, and proven performance across thousands of organizations, it handles application portfolio complexity at any scale without custom integration work.
Best For Consolidating Identity And Device Management: JumpCloud combines directory services, SSO, MFA, and device management in a single cloud console.
Best For Active Directory-Centric Organizations: ManageEngine AD360 and Thales SafeNet Trusted Access both work well if your infrastructure remains AD-heavy but you need modern access controls. AD360 focuses on automation and compliance reporting; SafeNet emphasizes flexible authentication across cloud and on-premises resources.
Best For Passwordless-First Strategy: HYPR eliminates credential databases entirely through FIDO2-based authentication, addressing both security requirements and insider compliance mandates when you need phishing-resistant access controls at the foundation.
Thales SafeNet Trusted Access
SafeNet Trusted Access is a cloud-based access management platform that combines SSO, multi-factor authentication, and risk-based policies under one console. We think the authentication flexibility is the standout capability here: the platform supports hardware tokens, mobile apps, push notifications, SMS, and email OTP, all managed from a single interface. It’s a good fit for organizations with diverse user populations that include contractors and partners alongside internal staff.
Thales SafeNet Trusted Access Key Features
User-based licensing means one license covers multiple authentication methods per person, which keeps costs predictable as you add authentication types. Conditional access policies let you treat high-risk applications differently based on user groups and network zones. The unified access event view pulls monitoring and compliance reporting into one place. SafeNet Trusted Access also supports SAML, OIDC, WS-Fed, cloud-based RADIUS, and REST/SCIM APIs, giving you broad integration options across cloud and on-prem resources. The platform is now available on Google Cloud Marketplace, and Thales was named a Visionary in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Access Management.
What Customers Say
Users appreciate having SSO, MFA policies, and token management in one location, and the built-in reports handle most audit requirements without custom scripting. The self-service portal reduces helpdesk load for tasks like PIN resets. Something to be aware of is that SAML and OIDC integrations require trial and error, as error messages lack specificity. Users also flag that the admin interface spreads options across multiple screens, creating a learning curve for new administrators.
Our Take
We think SafeNet Trusted Access works well for organizations needing diverse authentication methods under one roof. If your environment includes contractors, partners, and employees with varying access requirements, the user-based licensing and conditional policies pay off. Budget time for initial integration work; once configured, the platform delivers solid access management with strong audit capabilities.
Strengths
- User-based licensing covers multiple authentication methods without per-token costs
- Conditional access policies apply different rules based on application risk and user context
- Built-in reporting satisfies most audit requirements without custom scripting
- Self-service portal handles routine tasks like PIN resets without IT involvement
Cautions
- Reviews mention that SAML and OIDC integrations require troubleshooting due to vague error messages
- Admin interface navigation takes time to learn with settings spread across multiple screens
Ping Identity
Ping Identity delivers enterprise-grade IAM across cloud, on-prem, and hybrid environments. Following the 2023 merger with ForgeRock, the combined platform covers workforce and customer identity under one vendor, with ForgeRock products now rebranded under the Ping name. We think Ping is a strong fit for mid-sized to large organizations that need SSO, MFA, and API security in a single platform with deep federation capabilities.
Ping Identity Key Features
Ping aggregates data from multiple directories into a single source of truth, which solves the fragmentation problem in large environments. Real-time authorization decisions factor in risk signals and behavioral anomalies through AI-driven analysis. Passwordless authentication and intelligent API security address modern attack vectors. Integration support covers SAML and OIDC with solid documentation for migrations from other identity providers. The PingOne cloud platform unifies DaVinci orchestration, Protect threat detection, Verify identity proofing, and Authorize fine-grained authorization in one environment.
What Customers Say
Banking and telecom teams report strong authentication and authorization performance at scale, and SSO rollouts across multiple applications run smoothly once configured. With that said, users flag that error logs lack the detail needed for efficient troubleshooting. The ecosystem includes multiple administrative interfaces that complicate daily tasks, though Ping is working to unify these through the PingOne console. Six-month update cycles also feel slow for teams wanting faster iteration.
Our Take
We think Ping Identity fits organizations with complex identity requirements spanning cloud and on-prem systems. The ForgeRock merger adds customer identity and self-hosted deployment options that Ping previously lacked, making it a stronger all-around platform. Expect to invest in configuration expertise upfront; the flexibility comes with complexity that smaller teams may find excessive.
Strengths
- Aggregates identity data from multiple directories into a unified source of truth
- AI-driven real-time authorization detects behavioral anomalies
- Strong SAML and OIDC integration support eases migration from other providers
- ForgeRock merger adds customer identity and self-hosted deployment options
Cautions
- Customers note that multiple admin interfaces complicate routine management tasks
- Users report that error logs lack detail for efficient troubleshooting
Oracle Cloud Identity and Access Management
Oracle Cloud IAM is a cloud-native identity platform built for complex enterprise environments, handling identity across employees, partners, and customers from one system. We think the zero-trust architecture and API-first approach make it a strong fit for teams that manage identity programmatically, especially those already operating within the Oracle ecosystem.
Oracle Cloud Identity and Access Management Key Features
User provisioning, group creation, and application access assignments all happen through clean developer interfaces. The platform covers both cloud and on-prem systems without forcing a single deployment model. Flexible authentication supports multiple methods from a unified console, and integrated reporting and auditing handle activity tracking and risk management without bolting on separate tools. Oracle is currently migrating Identity Cloud Service (IDCS) capabilities into native OCI IAM, which brings improved performance, broader regional availability, and cross-region disaster recovery. Oracle IAM 14c, released in March 2025, provides on-prem customers with eight years of premier and extended support.
What Customers Say
Enterprise teams report stable performance and strong vendor partnership support. Recent microservices additions like OAA, OARM, and OUA expand secure access capabilities. Something to be aware of is that authorization error messages make it difficult to identify missing permissions. Users also flag that the separate policy models with and without IAM domains create confusion, and dynamic group configuration requires tenancy admin involvement, which adds friction.
Our Take
We think Oracle Cloud IAM makes most sense if you already operate within the Oracle ecosystem or need a platform that spans cloud and on-prem equally. The zero-trust foundation and API flexibility serve complex environments well. Plan for a learning curve on policy configuration; once your team understands the domain model, the platform delivers reliable enterprise identity management.
Strengths
- API-first approach enables programmatic user provisioning and access management
- Zero-trust architecture places identity at the core of security decisions
- Integrated reporting and auditing eliminate the need for separate compliance tools
- Supports both cloud and on-prem systems from a single platform
Cautions
- Users report that authorization error messages lack the detail needed to identify missing permissions
- Separate policy models with and without IAM domains create administrative confusion
Okta Workforce Identity Cloud
Okta is a market leader in enterprise IAM, trusted by thousands of organizations worldwide. The platform handles SSO, MFA, identity governance, and privileged access from a unified cloud console, with 7,400+ pre-built application integrations that mean most of your stack connects out of the box. We think Okta is the strongest option for organizations that need to move fast on deployment without custom integration work.
Okta Workforce Identity Cloud Key Features
The universal directory centralizes users, groups, and devices, giving you visibility across cloud and on-prem applications from one place. Automated lifecycle management handles provisioning and deprovisioning without manual intervention. Passwordless authentication works consistently across the platform, and adaptive security policies monitor user activity and adjust access requirements based on risk signals. API access controls extend protection to custom applications. Okta has also announced 125+ new Secure Identity Integrations for advanced security with major SaaS applications including Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Zendesk.
What Customers Say
Teams report smooth deployment and strong day-to-day usability. The single portal approach eliminates password fatigue while adding security layers that users actually accept. With that said, users flag that settings spread across multiple panels within the admin console, making single-pane management difficult. Getting adaptive security policies tuned correctly takes iteration and expertise, and pricing can exceed budget for smaller organizations.
Our Take
We think Okta fits organizations wanting a proven, widely adopted IAM platform with the broadest integration coverage on the market. The ecosystem maturity helps teams move fast on deployment, and the universal directory handles hybrid complexity well at scale. Expect some administrative overhead navigating the interface, but for global teams managing diverse application portfolios, the trade-off delivers solid identity management.
Strengths
- 7,400+ pre-built integrations cover most enterprise application stacks immediately
- Universal directory provides centralized visibility across users, groups, and devices
- Automated lifecycle management reduces manual provisioning and offboarding work
- Consistent passwordless experience improves security without sacrificing user adoption
Cautions
- Customers note that admin settings spread across multiple panels complicating navigation
- Reviews mention that market-leader pricing may exceed budget for smaller organizations
ManageEngine AD360
ManageEngine AD360 is an IAM platform focused on Active Directory environments, combining identity lifecycle management, SSO, MFA, and audit reporting in one console. We think it’s a strong fit for small to mid-sized IT teams that need to automate routine AD administration tasks without enterprise-tier pricing.
ManageEngine AD360 Key Features
Bulk administration capabilities handle routine AD tasks efficiently, including user provisioning, password resets with MFA verification, and group management through approval-based workflows. The platform integrates both Azure AD (Entra ID) and on-prem Active Directory from a single interface. AI-powered analytics surface network activity patterns and potential risks, and the audit reporting depth supports compliance requirements without custom scripting. Role-specific privileged access controls limit exposure for sensitive operations.
What Customers Say
IT teams report significant time savings once the platform is configured. The self-service password reset and SSO features reduce helpdesk tickets, and even non-technical staff navigate the interface without extensive training. Cost-effectiveness comes up repeatedly as a differentiator. Something to be aware of is that initial integration with existing environments takes effort, though support teams help work through issues. The interface also feels dated compared to newer cloud-native platforms.
Our Take
We think AD360 fits organizations heavily invested in Active Directory who want to automate without the cost of enterprise IAM platforms. If your team manages hybrid AD environments and needs solid audit capabilities, this delivers. Budget time for initial setup and workflow configuration; the platform rewards that investment with reliable day-to-day operation.
Strengths
- Bulk AD administration automates routine tasks that drain small IT teams
- Self-service password reset with MFA reduces helpdesk ticket volume
- Unified console manages both Entra ID and on-prem Active Directory
- Cost-effective pricing compared to enterprise IAM competitors
Cautions
- Reviews flag that the interface design feels dated compared to modern cloud-native platforms
- Initial integration with existing environments requires dedicated setup effort
JumpCloud
JumpCloud is a cloud-native directory platform that unifies identity, device management, and access control in a single console. We think it’s a strong alternative to Entra ID for cloud-first teams running mixed operating systems that want to consolidate identity and device management without the complexity of hybrid AD.
JumpCloud Key Features
Managing Mac, Windows, and Linux fleets alongside cloud directories like Google Workspace happens from one console. Device login ties directly to JumpCloud identity, so provisioning and deprovisioning updates flow through automatically. Built-in SSO, MFA, and conditional access policies are included, along with RADIUS as a Service for Wi-Fi and VPN authentication. The platform provides centralized monitoring and event logging, covering authentication requests, user activity, and compliance auditing. JumpCloud integrates with Active Directory, Google Workspace, and Okta for organizations transitioning from existing directories.
Our Take
We think JumpCloud works best for cloud-first teams that want to replace traditional domain controllers without hybrid AD complexity. The unified console for identity and device control is a real time-saver for IT teams managing cross-platform environments. JumpCloud offers a 10-day free trial with full premium access, and a la carte pricing starts at $2 per user per month on annual billing. Set bundles start at $7 per user per month for SSO, scaling up to $11 for Core Directory with access management and logging. With that said, the platform can conflict with macOS in some configurations. If you need a true cloud directory replacement with cross-platform device management, JumpCloud is well worth considering.
Strengths
- Unified console manages identity and devices across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- RADIUS as a Service eliminates on-premises network authentication infrastructure
- Seamless integrations with Active Directory, Google Workspace, and Okta
- 10-day free trial with full premium access
Cautions
- The platform can conflict with macOS in some configurations
- Customers note suspended accounts continue billing until fully deleted
IBM Verify
IBM Verify (rebranded from IBM Security Verify in August 2025) is an enterprise-grade IDaaS platform that combines MFA, SSO, and passwordless authentication with adaptive access controls and identity analytics. We think it fits enterprises with complex compliance requirements and existing IBM relationships, where the privacy and consent management capabilities justify the investment.
IBM Verify Key Features
Adaptive access adjusts authentication requirements based on context and threat signals in real time. Identity analytics provide visibility into access patterns and potential anomalies. Consent management and privacy rule enforcement handle complex regulatory requirements across jurisdictions, which is a strong differentiator for organizations managing sensitive data globally. Custom activity reporting supports compliance documentation and troubleshooting without heavy customization. IBM Verify Identity Access v11.0 (released late 2024) introduced Digital Credentials support, with v11.0.1 and v11.0.2 following in 2025 with continued platform enhancements.
What Customers Say
Organizations handling sensitive financial and personal data praise the security rigor, and the combination of strong authentication with low-friction login options reduces support tickets. Something to be aware of is that initial setup and configuration of identity flows is complex and time-consuming. Users also flag that the admin console feels dated compared to modern competitors, with counterintuitive navigation.
Our Take
We think IBM Verify is best suited for enterprises handling sensitive data across multiple jurisdictions where privacy and consent management are priorities. The adaptive access controls and compliance reporting justify the investment for the right organizations. Plan for extended implementation timelines and consider dedicated resources for configuration; once running, the platform delivers reliable enterprise identity management.
Strengths
- Adaptive access adjusts authentication requirements based on real-time risk signals
- Consent management handles complex global privacy regulations across jurisdictions
- Custom activity reporting supports compliance documentation without heavy development
- Hybrid deployment extends cloud identity protection to on-prem applications
Cautions
- Reviews mention that initial setup and identity flow configuration require significant time investment
- Users report the admin console feels dated with counterintuitive navigation patterns
HYPR
HYPR delivers passwordless authentication built on FIDO2 standards for phishing-resistant security. We think it’s the right pick for organizations serious about eliminating password-based attacks, especially in regulated industries like finance and healthcare where credential theft carries serious consequences. The platform handles both workforce and customer identity use cases.
HYPR Key Features
The FIDO2 foundation eliminates the credential database that attackers typically target. HYPR Authenticate centralizes passwordless login, HYPR Adapt monitors risk signals and adjusts access controls in real time, and HYPR Affirm provides identity verification with liveness detection and facial recognition. Integrations with Microsoft and CrowdStrike extend protection across the security stack. The platform supports workstation-level authentication that flows through to SSO without additional prompts, and Linux support accommodates mixed environment needs.
What Customers Say
Teams report exceptional reliability, with no service outages after years of production use. Users consistently praise the biometric login experience, and support response earns high marks for speed and effectiveness. With that said, users flag that full-scale deployment takes time, especially in Windows PKI environments where dependencies add complexity. Error messages also sometimes lack specificity, making troubleshooting slower than it should be.
Our Take
We were impressed by the reliability track record and user acceptance rates. If you face regulatory pressure or cyber insurance requirements around authentication, HYPR addresses both concerns directly. Budget implementation time appropriately for complex environments; once deployed, the platform delivers the kind of reliability and user acceptance that makes passwordless adoption stick.
Strengths
- FIDO2 architecture eliminates credential databases that attackers typically target
- Exceptional uptime record with no reported service outages over multi-year deployments
- Biometric authentication earns strong user acceptance with minimal friction
- Integrations with Microsoft and CrowdStrike extend protection across the security stack
Cautions
- Customers note that full-scale deployment requires significant time in complex environments
- Windows PKI dependencies add deployment complexity for enterprise networks
Cisco Duo
Cisco Duo provides phishing-resistant MFA and identity management for organizations of all sizes. We think the push-based approach is what sets it apart: one tap approves access, with no code hunting required. If your team has resisted MFA rollouts before, the user experience Duo offers tends to change that dynamic.
Cisco Duo Key Features
Push notifications show location and time for verification context, and wearable support means approval can happen from an Apple Watch without reaching for a phone. Duo Directory centralizes identity management or brokers existing identity sources. SSO and passwordless options reduce login friction while maintaining security. In May 2025, Cisco launched Duo IAM, which adds identity security posture management and AI-based identity threat detection through the Identity Intelligence layer (built on the Oort platform acquired in 2023). The ISPM and ITDR features are included in Duo Advantage ($6/user/month) and Premier ($9/user/month) tiers.
What Customers Say
Adoption rates run high because the experience is fast. Setup takes minutes with a QR code scan, and clear documentation earns praise from IT teams. Something to be aware of is that a dead phone or no cell service means lockout without backup options configured. Device replacement also requires IT admin involvement, which frustrates users. Reporting and troubleshooting visibility could be deeper for easier administration.
Our Take
We think Cisco Duo works well when user adoption is your primary concern. The push authentication experience is the standard others try to match, and the Duo IAM additions bring posture management and ITDR into the same console. Plan backup authentication options for users who lose device access. The core platform delivers reliable, scalable protection that earns trust across SMBs and enterprises alike.
Strengths
- Push notifications enable one-tap authentication without code hunting
- Simple QR code setup gets users enrolled in minutes
- Wearable support allows approval from Apple Watch for faster access
- Duo IAM adds ISPM and ITDR capabilities in Advantage and Premier tiers
Cautions
- Reviews flag that a dead phone or no cell service locks users out without backup options
- Device replacement process requires IT admin involvement
Other Identity And Access Management Services
Here are some other high performing IAM providers to consider:
An IAM solution built to help mid-sized organizations oversee user access rights across on-premises systems.
A full-featured IAM platform that delivers identity governance, access management, and privileged access management capabilities.
Delivers a wide portfolio of IAM tools, including identity governance, access management, and privileged access management.
An IAM platform offering identity management, access management, and identity governance solutions.
A leading PAM provider specializing in securing privileged credentials and protecting access to critical systems and sensitive data.
What To Look For: Identity Platform Evaluation Checklist
When selecting an Entra ID alternative, we’ve identified eight critical evaluation points. Use this checklist to assess which platform aligns with your requirements.
Integration Coverage and Breadth: Does the platform support all your critical applications? How many pre-built integrations ship with it? Can you connect legacy systems through SAML, OIDC, or custom APIs? Does the vendor actively maintain integration documentation for migrations from Entra ID?
Deployment Model Flexibility: Can it handle your specific architecture: cloud-only, on-premises, hybrid, or multi-cloud? Does the platform require datacenter residency for compliance? Can you deploy identity, device management, and access controls independently or bundled together?
Adaptive Policy Granularity: Does the platform adjust authentication based on context like location, device posture, and user behavior? Can you define policies by user role, application sensitivity, and risk level without applying blanket rules? Are policy changes auditable and reportable?
Administrative Complexity and Learning Curve: Can you configure core functionality without extensive vendor training? Does the admin console keep related settings together or scatter them across multiple screens? Are policy changes obvious to audit, or do admins need deep platform expertise to understand what changed?
Compliance and Audit Capabilities: Can it generate audit-ready reports for your specific compliance framework (SOX, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001)? How detailed are access logs and activity trails? Does the platform provide compliance templates or do you need custom scripting for audit documentation?
Vendor Lock-In and Data Portability: How easily can you export user data, policy configurations, and access relationships? Does the vendor support standard formats (SAML, OIDC, REST APIs) for integration flexibility? What are your options for migration if you need to switch platforms in the future?
Support Quality and Implementation Responsiveness: What SLA do they offer for critical issues? Do they provide hands-on implementation support or primarily documentation-based answers? Check customer reviews for consistency—support quality varies significantly across vendors in this category.
Pricing Transparency and Total Cost of Ownership: Are per-user licensing, add-on modules, or ancillary services priced clearly upfront? What features require premium tiers? Model scenarios specific to your environment size and application count before comparing price quotes.
Evaluate these criteria in the context of your organization’s priorities. Teams with complex hybrid infrastructure should weight integration flexibility and deployment options heavily. Compliance-driven organizations should prioritize audit capabilities and policy transparency. Growing teams on tight budgets need clear pricing and straightforward admin experiences.
How We Tested Entra ID Alternatives
Expert Insights conducts independent research and testing of enterprise identity platforms without vendor influence on our editorial assessments. No pay-for-play relationships affect our recommendations. Our team maps the identity and access management vendor landscape across cloud, hybrid, and on-premises deployment models.
We evaluated 10 Entra ID alternatives, assessing integration breadth, policy flexibility, administrative complexity, deployment model support, and real-world implementation challenges. Each platform was tested in controlled environments simulating enterprise conditions. We examined user provisioning workflows, authentication policy configuration, lifecycle management automation, and audit reporting capabilities against common organizational requirements.
Beyond hands-on testing in isolated labs, we conducted comprehensive market research across the IAM category and reviewed customer feedback from reference installations. We consulted with product teams to understand architecture decisions and deployment considerations, then validated vendor claims against operational realities reported by customers. Editorial independence is core to our process. Vendor relationships never influence our assessment or publication decisions.
This guide receives quarterly updates to reflect new features, market changes, and customer feedback. For complete transparency on our evaluation methodology, visit our How We Test & Review Products page.
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Entra ID works well for many organizations, but it’s not universal. Your environment’s specific architecture, compliance requirements, and team expertise should drive the choice.
For the broadest application coverage and proven enterprise scalability, Okta Workforce Identity Cloud leads the market with 7,000+ integrations and a universal directory that handles hybrid complexity at any scale. Configuration overhead is real, but the ecosystem maturity pays off for large organizations.
If your infrastructure spans multiple cloud providers and on-premises systems requiring sophisticated federation, Ping Identity excels at connecting SAML, OIDC, and OAuth2 endpoints without custom work. Oracle Cloud IAM is the alternative if you’re already committed to the Oracle ecosystem with API-first administrative practices.
For teams wanting identity and device management consolidated into one platform, JumpCloud handles mixed OS environments elegantly. If your organization is deeply invested in Active Directory, ManageEngine AD360 provides cost-effective automation without forcing a cloud-first strategy. Thales SafeNet Trusted Access works well for hybrid environments where you need flexible authentication options across employees, contractors, and partners.
For organizations serious about eliminating password-based authentication, HYPR delivers FIDO2-based passwordless access with exceptional reliability. Cisco Duo remains the standard for straightforward MFA deployment when push-based authentication is your primary requirement.
For enterprises with complex compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions, IBM Verify provides adaptive access controls and consent management that address data sensitivity concerns directly.
Review the individual platform assessments above to understand deployment specifics, pricing implications, and the trade-offs most relevant to your environment.
FAQs
Identity And Access Management: Everything You Need To Know (FAQs)
Digital identities store information that defines an individual’s role, level of access within an organization, and personal or contact details. These identities are not fixed, they evolve over time; like when roles change, or new technologies are adopted. Identity and access management solutions track these changes to accurately identify users, to ensure that the correct people are granted appropriate access.
Identity and access management (IAM) is not a single, universally defined system. Instead, IAM encompasses a range of functionalities that vary depending on the solution. These platforms allow organizations to manage users and permissions across multiple systems and applications from a centralized interface. Automation plays a key role in managing digital identities, achieved by standardizing processes and workflows across numerous user accounts.
At its core, an IAM system must identify, authenticate, and authorize users. Access is granted only to the appropriate individuals, while unauthorized users are blocked. System administrators can establish policies that specify who is allowed access to particular network areas without compromising security.
An IAM framework typically includes:
- A database storing all user information and access privileges
- Tools for creating, monitoring, modifying, and removing access rights
- A system for auditing login activity and access history
Access privileges must be continuously updated to reflect new users, departures, or role changes. IAM responsibilities usually fall under IT teams tasked with cybersecurity and data management.
Identity and access management (IAM) software can be deployed either on-premises or via the cloud. On-premises deployment requires the software to be installed on an organization’s own servers. Cloud-based IAM solutions, in contrast, can be set up quickly and easily without the need for local installation.
Having an IAM strategy is essential today. With hybrid workplaces and a growing number of remote employees, compromised identities are a leading cause of security breaches. Users still need access to sensitive data and tools, and strong identity security strengthens overall organizational security. IAM solutions also simplify access for users through features like biometric authentication and Single Sign-On (SSO), reducing the need to manage multiple passwords.
A key challenge for IT teams is protecting the identities of remote workers while ensuring they can access the resources necessary to perform their jobs. IAM addresses this by enforcing personalized, user-specific security policies.
While the advantages of IAM may not initially seem critical for every organization, any enterprise with users accessing restricted areas can benefit from implementing an IAM solution.
The first step in comparing identity security solutions is to clearly define your organization’s specific needs. These requirements can vary widely depending on industry, number of users, and risk factors. Once you understand your needs, consult a buyer’s guide to explore the top solutions available. Your choice may ultimately depend on a particular feature, familiarity with the vendor, or recommendations from industry peers.
With so many IAM solutions on the market, organizations often find it challenging to narrow down options. A structured approach can help, including:
- Conducting a thorough audit of legacy systems, especially if your applications span cloud and on-premises environments
- Identifying and documenting existing security gaps for both internal and external stakeholders
- Defining user types and specifying the access rights each group requires
After establishing your organization’s security needs, you can select the IAM solution that fits best. Options include standalone platforms, managed identity services, or cloud-based subscriptions such as 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. Any decent IAM solution should be including MFA as this is undeniably safer than using a single authentication method (like a passcode or password/login).
- Passwordless authentication. Passwordless authentication options help to streamline the login process while also 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, which is why they are such an attractive target for attackers. There should be as limited a number of privileged accounts as possible, to 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 enjoy a greater level of control over their permission, as well as increased security in critical areas by ensuring that that users only have access to information they absolutely need to perform their 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 compliance and audit purposes. A good IAM system should be able to provide this information regarding all users’ access across all digital files.
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.