The Core Pillars of Identity Access Management (IAM) - and Their Unifying Force

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest," said Benjamin Franklin. This wisdom rings especially true in today's digital age, where keeping information secure is more critical than ever. At the heart of this effort is Identity Access Management (IAM), a framework ensuring that the right individuals access the right resources at the right times for the right reasons. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the three main pillars of IAM: Authentication, Authorization, and Administration, and  how they are tied together by one key piece: Execution.

Identity Governance and Administration (IGA)

Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) solutions have revolutionized digital security, much like the printing press transformed knowledge dissemination. IGA acts as a master librarian, efficiently managing access rights across systems and automating security operations. It alerts compliance teams to potential breaches and helps navigate regulations, ultimately empowering organizations to innovate while safeguarding their digital assets.

In IGA, key People include:

• Identity administrators who manage user accounts and access rights
• Compliance officers who ensure adherence to regulatory requirements
• HR personnel who initiate and terminate employee accounts
• Department managers who approve access requests for their team members

In IGA, Processes typically involve:

• User lifecycle management, from onboarding to offboarding
• Access request and approval workflows
• Regular access reviews and certifications
• Policy enforcement and compliance reporting

In IGA, Technologies often include:

• Identity lifecycle management platforms
• Role-based access control (RBAC) systems
• Automated provisioning and de-provisioning tools
• Compliance and audit reporting software

Access Management (AM)

Access management serves as a critical line of defense in safeguarding systems, acting like a vigilant security guard who controls the access of users. Drawing inspiration from the legendary tale of Troy and the Trojan horse, we see a classic example of strong defenses being compromised due to a failure in proper Access Management. Just as Troy's gates were breached by an unverified threat, modern systems must manage the access of every user to prevent unauthorized access and maintain robust security.

Key People in Access Management include:

• Security architects who design access control systems
• System administrators who implement and maintain access policies
• Help desk staff who assist users with access-related issues
• End-users who interact with access management systems daily

Common Access Management Processes include:

• User authentication and authorization
• Single Sign-On (SSO) implementation
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enforcement
• Access policy creation and management

Access Management Technologies often encompass:

• Identity providers (IdPs)
• SSO platforms
• MFA solutions
• Web Access Management (WAM) tools

Privileged Access Management (PAM)

Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions resemble the security measures of ancient Rome, where only select individuals could enter the Senate. Just as Roman guards controlled access to critical decisions, PAM allows IT and security teams to manage privileged identities within an organization. These accounts, like trusted senators, have elevated permissions that make them prime targets for cyberattacks. By enforcing robust, policy-based controls, PAM dictates what systems and data privileged users can access and monitors their actions, effectively thwarting external threats and mitigating insider risks to protect sensitive assets in a complex digital landscape.

Key People in PAM include:

• IT security managers who oversee privileged access policies
• System administrators with elevated access rights
• Auditors who review privileged access logs
• C-level executives who may require temporary privileged access

PAM Processes typically involve:

• Just-in-time privileged access provisioning
• Privileged session monitoring and recording
• Credential vaulting and rotation
• Least privilege enforcement

PAM Technologies often include:

• Privileged account and session management (PASM) tools
• Privileged elevation and delegation management (PEDM) solutions
• Secure remote access gateways
• Password vaults and secrets management platforms

The Unifying Force: Execution

Execution of a task demands the flawless completion of an objective that not only meets but exceeds the expected result. In the realm of Identity and Access Management (IAM), this concept is far more complex and challenging than it initially appears. Effective execution in IAM requires the seamless orchestration of people, processes, and technology, working in perfect harmony to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness. 

Compounding this challenge is the ever-evolving landscape in which IAM operates. Organizations face a constant barrage of changes, from shifting business priorities to the rapid adoption of new SaaS applications. This dynamic environment demands agility and adaptability in IAM strategies.

While organizations have access to a plethora of sophisticated IAM tools, both in-house and on the market, the critical missing piece is often the ability to execute decisively on their cybersecurity objectives. The true test lies not in the possession of tools, but in the critical execution of IAM practices to fortify an organization's digital defenses and enable secure, efficient operations.

What is a digital identity employee?

A digital cyber employee represents a revolutionary paradigm shift in identity management, built upon the bedrock of flawless execution. This cutting-edge solution seamlessly integrates the pillars of Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), Access Management (AM), and Privileged Access Management (PAM), while possessing the unparalleled ability to execute any assigned task with precision and efficiency.

Rather than burdening your security team with yet another IAM tool to master and manage, investing in a highly sophisticated, AI-driven identity expert offers a transformative approach. A digital identity employee learns continuously, comprehends complex identity landscapes intuitively, and shoulders the entire spectrum of identity management tasks with unwavering competence.

This isn't merely a viable option; it's a strategic imperative for forward-thinking organizations. By leveraging a digital cyber employee, companies can dramatically enhance their security posture, streamline operations, and free up valuable human resources to focus on high-level strategy and innovation. This approach doesn't just solve current identity management challenges – it future-proofs your organization against the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, providing a scalable, adaptable, and relentlessly efficient solution to the complexities of modern identity management.

Ready to Remove the IAM Weight Off of Your Security Team’s Back? 

Introducing Alex, Twine’s first digital cybersecurity employee, who takes away the burden of identity management tasks - proactively completing your organization’s cyber objectives.

Let Alex learn, understand and provide end-to-end execution and automation for your cyber team’s critical identity and access management (IAM) tasks: 

The problem with today’s identity and access management (IAM) tools is that they generate a lot more work  than initially expected: setup, deployment, as well as ongoing upkeep. Legacy systems are excessively complicated, require highly skilled operators, and do not ensure thorough deprovisioning. This results in residual traces, orphaned accounts, and over-privileged accounts.

Before Alex, no technology has been able to fully replicate human capabilities in the IAM cybersecurity vertical - until now. With Alex, finally cybersecurity teams are equipped with   a high-performing digital employee who joins the team and autonomously executes IAM tasks as directed, from A to Z. Onboard Alex to maximize cyber efficiency and get the most out of your existing Identity toolset.