IAM
Identity and Access Management - a framework of processes and technologies ensuring that the right users have the right access to the right resources at the right time.
What is IAM?
IAM (Identity and Access Management) is a set of processes, policies and technologies for managing digital identities and controlling access to organisational resources. IAM answers fundamental security questions: who is the user (authentication), what can they access (authorisation) and what did they do with that access (audit).
Modern IAM systems comprise several key components. An identity directory (e.g. Microsoft Entra ID, formerly Azure AD) stores user and group information. Single Sign-On (SSO) enables logging into multiple applications with one set of credentials. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra verification layer. Provisioning automates account creation and removal during onboarding and offboarding. Governance provides periodic access reviews and certification.
The Zero Trust model changes the IAM approach - instead of trusting users inside the network, every access request requires identity verification, device risk assessment and connection context evaluation. Identity becomes the new security perimeter.
Why does it matter?
Inadequate identity management is a primary source of security incidents. Accounts of former employees, excessive permissions, shared passwords - all create attack vectors. A well-implemented IAM reduces the attack surface, meets regulatory requirements (NIS2, DORA, GDPR) and streamlines business processes related to access management.
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