Allowing the right users access to the right resources is key to an organization’s digital security. Employee negligence is arguably one of a business’s greatest threats when it comes to keeping their data safe.
Identity and access management (IAM) solutions provide organizations with the tools they need to manage their identities and accesses. IAM aims to ease the granting of the right access, to the right person, at the right time.
The Building Blocks of Identity & Access Management
When it comes to understanding how IAM works, it’s important to think of it as a framework. Robust identity and access management consists of 3 major components. These components are intertwined yet each play specific roles.
Identification
Identification refers to the claiming of an identity. It can be in the form of a username or other unique representation. For example, within your organization, each employee would be allocated a username.
IAM systems, like Assertiv, use these usernames to map to identities to adhere to access policies. They do this through the authentication and authorization processes.
So, a user has identified themselves, now it’s time for them to verify their identity.
Authentication
Authentication involves a user providing the necessary credentials to prove their claimed identity. Once they get identified, they will need to provide further credentials for verification. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Password or pin
- Token
- Trusted device
Assertiv makes use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). This allows us to offer organizations a superior level of digital security. This method requires users to provide 2 pieces of evidence to prove they are who they say they are.
MFA ensures that, if one set of credentials become compromised, the authentication process is still secure.
Now that the user has proven their identity, it’s time for the allocation of the appropriate accesses.
Authorization
This is where the ‘access’ part of identity and access management comes into play. Note, that without authentication, it’s impossible to authorize. And without identity, it’s impossible to authenticate. Authorization is the granting or blocking of access determined by a proven identity.
To keep your data secure and save you time and money, Assertiv makes use of role-based access control (RBAC). This means authorizations can be set through a centralized dashboard, based on roles. RBAC is the granting of access to only the resources necessary for the completion of the role.
So, the user has now been identified, authenticated and what they can and can’t access on the network has been determined.
The Benefits of Identity & Access Management
Assertiv’s IAM solution consolidates identification, authentication and authorization. Our platform delivers a range of benefits, such as:
Improved Digital Security
Integrating authentication and authorization means that access can be granted and revoked with ease. What is usually a huge job for an IT department, with lots of room for human error, becomes simple to manage through a centralized dashboard.
The dashboard becomes a one-stop-shop for your users to access all their applications. It allows for easy defining of access rights for users, done within a few clicks of a button. This makes for seamless onboarding, giving you peace of mind knowing the right people have access to the right resources.
Assertiv also offers the extra security benefits of multi-factor authentication and single sign-on.
Reduced Costs
Assertiv allows for the automation of many processes, saving you time and money. It reduces the need for the constant involvement of your HR and IT departments, freeing up their time for more pressing matters.
Our single sign-on feature also reduces password associated issues. So, your staff can be more productive and IT can enjoy a significant reduction in help desk tickets.
Seamless Access
Assertiv provides seamless access by allowing users to access all appropriate resources from a single dashboard and using a single set of credentials. This enhances user experience and boosts productivity. It limits the number of security system interactions and reduces the likelihood of unsuccessful login attempts.
Need Help?
Assertiv makes identifying, authenticating and authorizing easy. Your organization’s data likely is one of its most valuable assets. With cyberattacks on the rise, it pays to take a proactive approach to keep it safe.
Assertiv has you covered. We provide all the tools for simple and effective identity and access management. Register for a free account today.
Assertiv 