Federated Identity Management or FIM has become a key tenet of current generation identities and security. It integrates the ability of employees or workers to move between different systems or applications within and between organizations in a very secure yet efficient way. This means that the user can use a single identity to access services, thereby eliminating the problems associated with multiple passwords and coupled risks of password recovery. It brings convenience for employees, partners, and customers and gives organizations power over the information and the user data. Now we will discuss the top advantages of FIM.
What are the Advantages of Federated Identity Management?
Enhanced Security
In non-federated networks, every time an individual logs into multiple systems individually, the chance of the systems being hacked is high. Multiple logins make it easy for unauthorized individuals to gain access and are a security nightmare. Federated Identity Management also improves the levels of security since users are only required to authenticate once and then can access applications from different domains. This decreases the number of logins hence decreasing the chances of hacking. Federated systems centralize the authentication which results in a more secure system against potential intruders as it offers a safe environment for users as well as other organizations.
Enhanced User Experience
Federated Identity Management reduces the cost of authentication by enabling users’ single sign-on to multiple applications in different domains. This not only allows users to save time but also reduces the negative experiences with the process. The utilitarian advantage of this approach greatly increases usability because people do not need to log in multiple times, which slows them down. For the organizations, this improved experience results in the overall increased productivity of the users and boosts satisfaction across all the digital media channels.
Single-Point Provisioning
In federated identity, a single point of provisioning makes it easier to manage user access especially when dealing with the outliers in organizations. They make it possible for organizations to easily grant or withdraw access in all federated systems without administrative burdens. It centralizes the control over user accounts, which makes it easier to provide support for external entities such as partners or contractors. Single-point provisioning improves security and efficiency by making access a more effective proposition for organizations.
Secure Resource-Sharing
Federated Identity Management helps in sharing resources securely in different organizations without compromising on the user’s credentials. One can avoid the use of individual logins for resource exchange federated systems to make sure that user data is secure. In this way, the organizations can work together while sharing resources within the network while at the same time maintaining high standards of security in the management of data so that risks related to the sharing of data are eliminated.
Cost Savings
The key benefit of federated identity is the decrease in the amount of time and money that organizations must spend creating and maintaining multiple user accounts for their online applications, or building in-house SSO solutions. By using FIM, an organization can depend on only one set of credentials maintained by a particular IdP, and reduces costs incurred when formatting passwords and managing users. The security benefits also minimize the risks of costly data violations and breaches. The federated identity reduces the amount of time spent in carrying out activities and enhances efficiency within an organization.