Best Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) Solutions

Identity and access management (IAM) systems manage user identities and access permissions. Using an IAM system allows IT departments to use provisioning (specifying the specific tools or access levels users can be granted), assign roles, or provide authentication. IAM also permits IT teams to remove access if needed. Additionally, identity and access management is useful in generating reports that indicate types of authentication, which systems have been accessed, and login times, and also shed light on security risks.

Identity and access management as a service (or IDaaS) consists of cloud-based solutions meant for IAM functions to authenticate users and make sure they are who they say they are. IDaaS allows users who work both on- and off-premise (whether they are third-party, customers, or employees) to securely access sensitive information. IDaaS is also used to obtain a better understanding of user behaviors.

They are not exactly the same thing. Identity management stores information about a user’s identity to authenticate that you are who you claim to be. Access management, on the other hand, is the management of your identity information to determine your access rights to software suites or any other resource needed to perform your job responsibilities.

Organizations need identity and access management to protect their enterprise systems and sensitive information from unauthorized users. With an IAM system in place, businesses can improve their security. For example, your organization becomes very vulnerable to attacks if a user’s password or email address is breached. However, IAM services work to prevent that. In addition, organizations benefit from IAM because it increases productivity. Employees don’t have to worry about access or having the correct password, and consequently, IT departments have a more reduced workload.

IAM tools include some of the following:

• Role-based access: This IAM tool enables IT teams to define role-based access and permissions specific to their roles.
• Data storage either on-site or in the cloud: Not all organizations have a server rack on site. For those that don’t, using an identity access management provider helps lower operational costs and helps them take advantage of advanced security.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): This provides an added layer of security which helps protect passwords that can be easily compromised. The most commonly used form of MFA is the generation of a one-time code that is usually populated by the app you are using on your phone.
• Single sign-on: This allows users to access multiple applications using only a single set of credentials to login. Single sign-on also allows IT departments to provision and deprovision employee access when necessary.
• Employee-centric data: This can be used to identify individual users through directories or an HR system.
• Password management: An IAM tool is used to manage passwords and/or workflows.
• User flexibility: This refers to tools that can be used to add, delete, or modify users.
• Reporting: Gain insight into how information and/or systems are being used.

An implementation strategy for identity and access management includes the following:

• Training and support: Providers of IAM systems often provide training along with customer service after installation.
• Zero-trust: When implementing a strategy for IAM, it is important to include a zero-trust policy where the IAM solution constantly secures identity and access points and provides ongoing monitoring. This way, each employee’s access is managed more easily.
• Secure access: Authentication is key in securing your organization’s systems. An IAM should record all aspects of a login attempt, including location, time, device, etc., either by implementing multi-factor authentication or using another adaptive authentication process.
• Privileged accounts: Accounts with special privileges may need different access controls for sensitive information. If this is the case for your company, your IAM implementation strategy should include a tier of security and support to accommodate their status.

The benefits of identity and access management as a service include:

• Password protection: IAM systems prompt users to use strong passwords and also frequently request that users change them to avoid data breaches.
• Limit the damage caused by insiders: By deploying IDaaS, organizations can mitigate insider threats. IAM systems can do this by granting users access to only the systems they need to perform their jobs.
• Block anomalous activity: IAM solutions combine technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, or even risk-based authentication to identify, track, and remediate anomalies.
• Three-factor authentication: Multi-factor security provides enterprises with the extra confidence to be sure their systems are fully protected by using extra layers of security, such as iris scanning, facial recognition, or fingerprint sensors.

When selecting an identity and access management as a service, here are some features you may want to look for:

• User provisioning and deprovisioning
• Single sign-on
• Multi-factor authentication
• Access management
• User activity compliance
• Centralized access from one platform
• Compliance control and audit reports
• User activity reports
• Intuitive dashboard
• Data leakage prevention
• Analytics tool with real-time insight
• Abnormal behavior alerts
• Ability to create risk models using machine learning
• Unified mobile experience