Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a set of policies, processes, and technologies that are used to manage digital identities and the access that individuals have to systems, applications, and data. The goal of IAM is to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information and that their access is properly managed and monitored.

IAM systems typically include the following components:

1. Identity stores: A database that contains information about individual users, such as their name, username, and password, as well as information about their role and permissions within the organization.

2. Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user. This typically involves the user providing a username and password or using another form of authentication, such as a smart card or biometric data.

3. Authorization: The process of determining what actions a user is allowed to perform based on their role and permissions.

4. Access management: The process of controlling and monitoring access to systems, applications, and data. This includes setting up and enforcing access controls, as well as revoking access when necessary.

5. Auditing: The process of logging and reviewing access to systems, applications, and data to ensure that access is being used appropriately and to detect any unauthorized access.

IAM is critical for ensuring the security and privacy of information and systems within an organization. By managing digital identities and controlling access to systems and data, IAM helps to prevent unauthorized access and ensures that sensitive information is protected. It is also essential for meeting regulatory compliance requirements and for managing the risk associated with managing digital identities and access to information.