What is Identity and Access Management (IAM)?
Identity and access management (IAM) is a framework that allows the IT team to control access to systems, networks and assets based on each user’s identity. IAM consists of two main components:
1. Identity management: Verifies the identity of the user based on existing information in an identity management database.
2. Access management: Uses the requestor’s identity to confirm their access rights to different systems, applications, data, devices and other resources.
An IAM tool’s core functions are to:
- Assign a single digital identity to each user
- Authenticate the user
- Authorize appropriate access to relevant resources
- Monitor and manage identities to align with changes within the organization