Best Cloud Resource Access Management Tools

Identity access management (IAM) is the next progressive step in access management in the cloud environment. With an IAM solution in place, IT administrators can better and more easily control user access to privileged information within their organizations. Some of the systems used to manage IAM access may include single sign-on (SSO) systems, two-factor or multi-factor authentication (MFA), privileged access management (PAM), and Directory-as-a Service (DaaS). These trusted modern technologies allow network IT security teams to keep systems secure and give them the ability to store identity and profile data, in addition to satisfying strict government compliance regulations to ensure that only relevant data is being accessed or shared.

Access management tools can be either hardware, software, or a service put in place to ensure that an organization's networks are safe and their data is secure. An AM tool is utilized to ensure all users (employees, consultants, clients, customers, etc.) are only allowed access to the specific area required by their job or role in the organization. The AM will determine (based on defined protocols) access, roles, and permission for every user and will also track activity across the system to certify there is no unauthorized, inappropriate, or abusive activity occurring. In today’s robust marketplace, IT security personnel always need to know who has access to the ecosystem's network and ensure stringent safety protocols are in place to keep the data and the environment safe and secure. A highly-regarded AM tool will ensure these goals are consistently achieved.

The IAM tool will confirm that the user, device, hardware, or software is who/what they say they are. The credentials are authenticated by matching them with the information in the database. IAM cloud identity tools are considered more flexible and much more secure than traditional password-and-username passwords. Additionally, IAM tools and solutions will only provide access based on proven authenticated user identity and privilege. This will ensure that only the appropriate user has access to the information they need and is only able to access that information using the correct device, from an approved location.

• Improved security: A value-added cloud RAM (resource access management) solution will facilitate the identification and mitigation of security risks by using either SSO (single sign-on) or MFA (multi-factor authentication) to ensure protection and security. A cloud RAM will take advantage of preset policies and protocols in an AM or IAM solution and also manage the utilization of shared resources. The cloud RAM will also be able to offer complete visibility concerning all shared resources to create audit logs and trigger alarms when necessary. The RAM will ensure that the security protocols in place are being consistently satisfied and are in compliance with government and other regulatory standards.
  
  
• Improved productivity: Cloud RAM users are able to seamlessly share resources such as subnets across their organization with other accounts. Many RAMs even have options to share outside the organization. This minimizes the requirement to supply identical resources for every account in a multi-account ecosystem, thereby decreasing IT costs of managing these resources for every account.
  
  
• Reduced IT costs: Cloud RAM services can help lower operating costs and improve ROI. Having federated identity services in place can significantly minimize the need for large local teams or staff. Cloud RAM tools will also markedly reduce the need for on-premise hardware infrastructure, allowing resources to be allocated elsewhere in the organization.

• Single sign-on (SSO): Your RAM (resource access management) solution may use either user-based or role-based SSO (or both) to configure identity providers (IdP) to access your network. RAM solutions with an SSO permit users to easily verify and authenticate their identity in one instance and on one platform instead of having to spend valuable time logging into numerous other tools, resources, or applications. Once a user is logged in and properly authenticated, the RAM provides access to every tool, application, or resource the user has authorization and privilege for, removing the necessity for the user to continually enter and remember numerous passwords.
  
  
• User identity management: Most RAM solutions will have access to the main directory used to create, change, or delete users. The RAM can also seamlessly integrate with one or several other directories and sync with them on demand or on a regularly scheduled basis. The RAM can be used to create new unique roles or identities if a user needs a more specialized privileged access to the organization's network. A highly-regarded RAM will offer various types of identity management, such as MFA, password policies, user groups, and access keys.
  
  

• Access management: The RAM will build on the AM or IAM already in place to facilitate authenticating users. Authenticating is the process of accurately confirming that the user is who they say they are. Today this is generally done by multi-factor authentication (MFA) and also using adaptive authentication. Other processes to consider would be: group permissions, executive management, custom access management, and any other types of user access management required by the organization.
  
  

• Reporting: The RAM will be able to initiate detailed reports for every action performed on the cloud. Activities such as log-in frequency, systems accessed, authentication type, resources shared, etc are all important to ensure that compliance measures are in place and that a secure ecosystem is being consistently maintained.