Identity Governance Is Not SSO – And Why It Matters

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1. How To Make The Most of Your IT Security Career | April 2022 - Link

2. Identity Governance Is Not SSO – And Why It Matters | April 2022?- Link

When it comes to identity and access management, most people are already well aware of the term Single Sign-On, or SSO.?It’s a given that having access to multiple online services, apps and sites is one of the advantages of modern, digital life. In a world where it’s easier than ever to perform research, connect with friends and family, and stay informed, it only makes sense that companies would want to leverage that convenience in their own favor. But in the rush to enable digital access, we’ve come to rely on single sign-on as a universal solution for making everything digital work together. SSO however, has some significant limitations which is why you need to get up to speed on identity governance.?

Read on to learn everything you ever wanted to know about identity management, including what it is, the pros and cons of identity management, and why you should care about it.

What is Identity Management?

Identity management refers to the process of managing all the different kinds of identities across an organization — both internal and external — and granting access based on those identities. It’s a process of identifying, authenticating, and authorizing individuals, groups, and devices, and allowing them to access a network or application, fileshare or development environment.While identity management can be carried out in a variety of ways, it often involves the use of authentication services and management tools.For example, authentication is the act of proving to an application that someone is who they say they are. This could include confirming their email address, entering a password, or providing other identifying information, like a phone number or driver’s license number. Managing all these different kinds of identities involves managing information about those identities and their owners. This could include things like creating accounts, accessing secure systems, and managing access privileges.

Why Should Companies Care About Identity Management?

Well, if you think about it, it’s kind of a big deal. We live in a world where everything from financial services to social media to healthcare rely on digital identities. And in order to make those things work, companies need to be able to identify and authenticate everyone who uses them — and do it securely.?That means companies can’t let security slip to the extent that they rely on passwords that are easy to crack, and they can’t use outdated or insecure tools that make it easy for hackers to steal your information. Moreover, businesses that don’t have a reliable identity management strategy put their customers at risk. They could be liable if a hacker steals your login credentials and goes on a spree, launching unauthorized charges or even sending out phishing emails.

The Difference Between Identity Management and SSO

While single sign-on is a type of identity management, it’s not the same as identity management. SSO is a technology that provides single sign-on functionality. It allows a user to access multiple web-based applications using a single username and password. In other words, when a user signs into one service, all of the applications that service supports are automatically authorized to access their information. On the other hand, identity management is the process of managing all the different kinds of identities across an organization — both internal and external — and granting access based on those identities. Identity management can take place within an organization or with regulated partners. It’s a process of identifying, authenticating, and authorizing individuals, groups, and devices, and allowing them to access a network or application.

The Pros of Identity Management

A key benefit of identity management is standardization. Companies that rely on identity management can be sure that the same processes and tools are in use for all of their employees. This means employees have an easier time logging in and accessing applications, and the company has the ability to enforce a consistent set of policies and guidelines.

In addition, identity management can help guard against security threats. For example, if a hacker steals someone’s credentials and tries to access their bank account, the identity management system can help block the transaction. This way, the company and account holder are protected.

The Cons of Identity Management

The downside of relying too much on standardization is that it can lead to big problems when the norm changes. This can happen, for example, if the company experiences a data breach. If the policy is that all employees use a certain kind of password and company-issued device, it could be difficult to determine which users were compromised. A related issue is that identity management systems are often difficult to implement. This means companies often have to start from scratch, customizing various systems to work together. In addition, traditional identity management tools are often complex and expensive. For example, some vendors charge per user or per device, or require a large upfront investment to deploy. These factors can make it difficult for smaller companies, who may not have the budget to invest in the best available tools.

The Final Word

By now, you can tell that identity management is important. In fact, it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your company’s data and your personal security. Even if you already have an established identity management system in place, you should be aware of the benefits of identity management and keep up on best practices.

Identity management is an important part of modern digital life, and it can help protect your information and your account. By keeping an eye on best practices, standardizing your processes, and staying up-to-date with the latest updates to your systems, you can make sure your identity is safe and secure. To learn more click here and schedule a call with SailPoint today.