Identity and access management (IAM) plays a crucial role in securing digital environments for both individual accounts and business domains. They ensure that a robust check is done before access is granted to an individual in certain data or systems. Yet, there are several misconceptions surrounding IAM due to which people undermine its importance. Let’s discuss the common misconceptions and the common mistakes surrounding them.
Misconception 1: IAM Is Only for Large Enterprises
There is a misconception or rather a myth that identity and access management is necessary for large corporations with complex IT infrastructures alone. As a result, many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) underestimate the danger of data breach and data theft believing that their operations are too simple to require IAM solutions. But it must be acknowledged by the same small businesses that they too handle sensitive data, whether it’s customer information, employee records, or financial details.
Therefore, the least that various businesses can do regardless of their operational size is implement basic IAM practices—like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC).
Misconception 2: IAM Is Just About Password Management
Another misconception to be debunked is the fact that IAM is only about managing passwords. While password management is indeed a vital cog in identity and access management, this is just a small part of the larger standard operating procedure. To have an effective IAM, several elements like user authentication, authorization, and monitoring of user activities across systems need to be encompassed. There is no point in relying on strong passwords without implementing additional layers of security like MFA as it exposes businesses to risks such as phishing attacks and credential theft.
Moreover, IAM tools and systems track and monitor user behaviour. This can be of great help to allow businesses to detect unusual activities and respond to potential threats in real time. To safeguard digital assets, businesses must treat identity and access management as more than just password management.
Common Mistake 1: Over-Permitting User Access
Granting more access than necessary is one of the most frequent mistakes made during the setup of identity and access management systems. It is a common slip-up that most companies do by giving broad access to systems and data, often due to convenience or oversight. The seemingly harmless move can create significant security vulnerabilities as an employee gets over-permitted access.
One such example is that of an employee with access to sensitive financial data for which they eventually fall victim to a phishing attack. Hence, it becomes imperative to implement the principle of least privilege (PoLP), where users are only granted access to the specific resources they need to perform their jobs.
Common Mistake 2: Neglecting Regular Reviews of IAM Policies
Failure to regularly review and update their identity and access management policies spells disaster for many organizations. Businesses need to understand their employees change roles leave the company, or take on new responsibilities, and hence their access needs could evolve. Unless there are regular audits, outdated permissions may remain in place. This shall continue to give individuals access to systems or data they no longer need.
This negligence in policy reviews can also leave a company vulnerable to insider threats; the reason being the former employees could have access to sensitive information even if they are no longer associated with the organization.