Identity and Access Management

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is all about business processes, policies, and technologies that together facilitate the management of electronic or digital identities. The IAM framework enables IT managers to control user access to sensitive information within their organization. These technologies also grant the ability to securely store identity and profile data, and the data governance capabilities to ensure that only necessary and relevant data is shared. 

IAM systems can be deployed on-premises, by a third party through a cloud-based subscription model, or in a hybrid model. At its base level, IAM includes the following components:

• How people are identified within the system (understand the difference between identity management and authentication).

• How are roles in the system identified and assigned to people?

• Add, remove and update people and their roles in the system.

• Assign access levels to individuals or groups of individuals. 

• Protect sensitive data in the system and protect the system itself.

What is data security? 

Data security is the process of protecting digital information throughout its lifecycle and protecting it from damage, theft, or unauthorized access. It covers everything from hardware, software, access and administration controls, storage devices, user devices, organizational policies, and procedures. 

Data security uses tools and technologies that increase visibility into an organization’s data and how it is used.. This process also helps organizations streamline audit procedures and comply with increasingly stringent privacy regulations.

Robust data security management and strategy processes help companies protect their information from cyberattacks. It also helps minimize the risk of human error and insider threats, which continue to be the root of many data breaches.

Why is data security prioritized? 

There are many reasons why data security is important to companies in all industries around the world. Organizations are legally obligated to protect customer and user data from loss, theft, and misuse. For example, California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) protect your data organization’s legal obligation to do so.

Data cybersecurity is also important to prevent reputational risks associated with data breaches. A high-profile hack or data loss can cause customers to lose trust in your company and switch businesses to competitors. It also carries the risk of severe financial loss along with fines, legal payments, and damages if sensitive data is lost.