Identity and Access Management

 IAM (Identity and Access Management)

A modern access control system is usually implemented through an Identity and Access Management (IAM) system, which consists of four key processes: identification (creating a unique user account), authentication (proving a user's identity), authorization (defining what access a user has to resources), and accounting (tracking user activity and alerting on suspicious behavior); essentially ensuring the right people have access to the right information at the right time while monitoring their actions for security purposes.

 

Explanation of each process:

Identification:

This initial step involves creating a unique identifier for a user, device, or process on a network, like a username or account number, allowing the system to recognize them.

 

Authentication:

This process verifies that the user is who they claim to be by checking credentials like passwords, security tokens, or biometric data when they attempt to access a resource.

 

Authorization:

Once authenticated, the system determines the level of access the user has to specific resources based on their assigned permissions, which can be managed through different models like discretionary (owner-defined) or mandatory (system-enforced).

 

Accounting:

This final stage involves recording user activity, including what resources they accessed when they accessed them, and any potential anomalies, providing an audit trail for security purposes.

 

Key points to remember:

Multi-factor authentication:

Modern IAM systems often incorporate multiple authentication factors (like a password and a code sent to your phone) for enhanced security.

 

Centralized management:

IAM systems typically manage user identities and access rights from a single platform, simplifying administration.

 

Compliance requirements:

IAM systems play a crucial role in meeting data privacy and security regulations by controlling who can access sensitive information.