What is IAM and Why Should Every Digital Organization Have It?

In the digital age where data is crucial and online work is part of daily life, securing data and controlling system access has become a top priority. Especially in terms of managing identity and access, also known as Identity and Access Management (IAM). 

What is Identity and Access Management (IAM)? 

IAM (Identity and Access Management) is a security solution that helps businesses control access to data and systems by verifying the identity of users or machines. Through the concept of Zero Trust, which means "Never trust, always verify," IAM ensures that access rights are assigned appropriately to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data, preventing impersonation or fraud when accessing systems. 

How Does IAM Work? 

IAM is primarily responsible for verifying the identity of users when they log in and controlling their access rights. It defines who can access what data or system and sets boundaries on which resources can be accessed by whom, ensuring security while enabling convenient access to relevant services. 

Why is IAM Important? 

IAM ensures that critical data is protected from unauthorized access and reduces the risk of attacks from malicious actors. It also streamlines work processes by allowing users to access necessary information or systems quickly and securely according to their access rights. 

Key Benefits of IAM

1. Prevent Unauthorized Access IAM controls and limits access to critical systems and data, preventing unauthorized access from internal and external sources. 

2. Enhance Data Security IAM allows for the precise assignment of access rights to systems and data, minimizing the risk of data breaches. 

3. Efficient Monitoring and Reporting IAM records access events and helps detect abnormal or suspicious activities quickly. 

4. Compliance with Regulations IAM helps businesses comply with security standards such as GDPR and HIPAA. 

5. Support Remote Working IAM ensures secure access for remote workers, with strong authentication and access controls. 

6. Prevent Data Theft Using IAM with strong authentication methods, such as MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), makes it more difficult for attackers to steal data or access unauthorized information. 

How to Get Started with IAM

1. Assess Organizational Needs Understand your current situation and needs, such as organizational size, number of users, and types of data that need protection to choose the right IAM solution. 

2. Select the Right IAM Solution Choose an IAM solution that fits your organization’s needs. At BMSP, we offer a variety of IAM solutions from top-tier brands, tailored to fit your business's size and budget. Our expert team is ready to help guide you to the best solution. 

3. Define Access Policies Set appropriate access policies, such as "Just Enough Privilege (JEP) and Just in Time (JIT)", to ensure users only access the data and systems necessary for their work. 

4. Install and Configure IAM System Install the selected IAM solution and configure it to set roles, permissions, and enable security features like MFA for added protection. 

5. Training and Usage Provide training for users at all levels to ensure they understand how to securely manage access and use IAM effectively. 

6. Monitor and Audit Continuously monitor user activities in the system to identify abnormal access or activities. Regular audits are essential for maintaining security. 

7. Update and Optimize Regularly update the IAM system to introduce new features and ensure it stays aligned with the latest security standards. 

If you need further guidance or consultation on getting started with IAM, feel free to reach out to us at marketing@bangkokmsp.com. 

Source: Gartner - Identity and Access Management