Identity and Access Management (IAM) can be defined as the process of monitoring as to who has access to what data. It is a cross functional activity that consists of setting up separate identities for systems and individuals and providing the association of system and application-level accounts to these identities.

1. How to Plan an Effective IAM Strategy
Identity and Access Management (IAM) can be defined as the process of monitoring as to who has access to what
data. It is a cross functional activity that consists of setting up separate identities for systems and individuals and
providing the association of system and application-level accounts to these identities. Though there are numerous
executives who believe IAM to be an IT function, the process has an impact on every business unit across the
enterprise. Hence, it is crucial that business units are aware of the nature of IAM and the way means to effectively
manage it. IT teams also need to understand the method in which IAM can assist business processes and offer
sound solutions that fulfill corporate agendas without making the organization vulnerable to any unwarranted
risks.
Things To Be Considered In An IAM Strategy
There are certain crucial aspects that should be considered while planning for an identity access management
strategy. They are:
The risks that are associated with IAM and the way they are addressed
The enterprise’s requirements
The way to approach IAM within an enterprise and how an effective IAM looks like
The procedure for recognizing users and the amount of users that are present within an enterprise
A process for authenticating users
The access approvals that are given to the users
To monitor if the users are accessing IT resources inappropriately
The procedure for recording and tracking user activities
However, as an enterprise undergoes changes, the IAM processes implemented too need to be changed
accordingly. To make this task easy, eminent companies specializing in data protection solutions have introduced
advanced IAM solutions having features such as:
Strategy and Design
This offers a methodical requirement analysis and planning that is crucial for creating the base for an efficient IAM
strategy. Here solution provider assesses the needs of the end-user through several avenues, that includes field
assessments and executive workshops that helps in setting up a strategy and IAM route map. The solution also
helps with technology evaluation, business case analysis and solution architecture.
Digital Identity and User Lifecycle Management
This involves the design and management of data to recognize individuals in order to approve them for digital
transactions. It is also crucial to monitor these identities over a period if time.
Access Management
This feature provides a comprehensive solution for enterprise access management comprising of single sign on,
web access management, information rights management and coveraged access control.
Today leading service providers of identity access management solutions help to sustain and optimize your IAM
strategy. IAM has been forever active, and therefore your system too needs to constantly evolve. Advanced IAM
solutions address and caters to this requirement through system upgrades and enhancements.
Also read more on - Risk management frameworks, Information Risk Management, mobile security