Identity management receives an alluring boost with biometrics, according to Kevin Cunningham of Sailpoint, but its effectiveness remains questionable.
In today's digital age, the importance of a robust Identity and Access Management (IAM) program cannot be overstated. With numerous high-profile data breaches making headlines, it has become apparent that a lack of a good IAM program can directly lead to such incidents.
Many organizations across various industries are recognising the benefits of modern cloud-based IAM solutions. These systems, such as Identity Governance & Administration (IGA) systems, simplify permission management and enhance security. Cloud-based IAM solutions offer faster results, lower total cost of ownership, and greater flexibility compared to traditional on-premise systems. However, the exact market share of companies using cloud-based IAM solutions is not explicitly stated in the available data.
After authentication, authorization determines what actions can be performed within a system or network. Authentication methods in IAM systems can include biometrics and iris scanners, among others. Organisations are dealing with a diverse set of resources and usernames that differ across systems, making it a challenge to evolve individual usernames into a single computer identity.
The IAM market is currently experiencing a surge, with a growing focus on identities due to the introduction of mobile and Software as a Service (SaaS) applications. IAM ranks very highly as a priority in security strategies, often within the top three. Having good processes in place is very important for collaboration across an organization - across business and IT. An effective and mature enterprise-class IAM program is viewed as an ongoing program with its own budget and staff.
The future of IAM in the enterprise involves a shift towards IAM-as-a-service (IDaaS) solutions, with the same capabilities as on-premise solutions but delivered via the cloud. This move towards cloud-based IAM solutions is driven by the expanding universe of applications to be managed in IAM, due to the adoption of mobile devices, cloud, and SaaS applications.
Governments are also holding organisations accountable for protecting financial information, credit card information, and healthcare records, increasing the importance of IAM. Numerous security breaches can be traced back to a lack of identity management, making it a high-level priority.
Good security is like having good brakes on a car, making one more confident to go faster. A good IAM will improve the journey by reducing areas that usually slow down progress. Lack of due care is a common contributor to well-publicised data breaches. Having good processes in place is vital for maintaining a secure environment. Technology is only one piece of the puzzle in defending against cyber attacks; the people and process element is the bigger struggle.
In conclusion, the importance of IAM in modern businesses cannot be underestimated. With the growing adoption of cloud-based solutions and the increasing number of applications to manage, IAM is becoming more critical to the business. Organisations must invest in mature IAM programs to ensure the protection of sensitive data and maintain a secure digital environment.
Read also:
- Planned construction of enclosures within Görlitzer Park faces delays
- Foreign financial aid for German citizens residing abroad persists
- United States and Russia prepared to delve deeper into negotiations regarding the Sakhalin 1 oil and gas project
- PG&E's California microgrid initiative generates substantial benefits
