Cybersecurity has always been the utmost priority throughout the years of business transitioning to the digital world. Furthermore, as technology advances, threats such as data breaches and information leaks have never been far behind. The reality is that modern solutions can now provide any organization with enhanced data security, introducing modern Identity and Access Management Systems, or IAM solution for short.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can modernize access control to create a seamless, secure, and enjoyable user experience. Get ready to discover practical steps, real benefits, and the excitement of transforming your digital workplace!
Table of Contents
What is IAM Solutions & What Does IAM Mean?
IAM stands for Identity and Access Management, and it’s a framework that helps businesses manage their users’ digital identities, roles, and access. In simple words, it allows you to make sure that the right users have access to the right resources (nothing more, nothing less) to perform their jobs efficiently.
What’s more, a progressive IAM solution can manage different identities and access for not only internal parties but external parties as well – customers, vendors, and partners. With a quality-assured IAM solution, you can ensure that your data is well-secured while providing the right authorization for both parties.
Why Modernize Your Access Control System?
Since technological advancements rest for no one, having an up-to-date access control system for your organization is crucial. To provide a more specific look at this, here are some reasons why you should modernize your organization’s control system:
- Data Privacy Concerns: Cyber threats have never and will never become stagnant. With this, updating your access control system enables your organization to protect important information like credentials and passcodes.
- Flexibility for Growth: Another reason why you should maintain IAM systems to date is to grow them alongside your business. Not only will your business thrive in handling new demands for the latest security features, but it will also enable your organization to mitigate threats at the same time.
- Obsolescence: Old or outdated systems are particularly vulnerable to hackers. Systems that are not updated can not only slow the operations of a business but also halt project deadlines, which can be detrimental to business-client relationships.
- Response to Breaches: Most businesses, if not all, always provide a net during data breaches. This leakage of information can be damaging and costly if not handled quickly. That said, upgrading your control systems helps prevent future breaches and keeps your business afloat.
Staying ahead with modern Identity and Access Management (IAM) and access control is not just a good idea; it’s essential for the survival and growth of a company or business.
Best Practices to Modernize Your Access Control System
Now that you know why keeping your access control systems up to date is important, let’s dive into the best practices for modernizing your access control by using different types of methods. It is essential to note that not all practices apply to your business.
Use Passwordless Authentication
One of the weakest and most common vulnerabilities of IAM systems is the reliance on traditional passwords. That’s because they make for easy targets for guessing, theft, or compromise. That’s where passwordless authentication comes into play.
According to a Statista report, almost 60% of IT professionals worldwide believe that passwordless authentication is more secure than traditional passwords.
This type of authentication replaces traditional passwords with convenient yet more secure methods, including:
- Biometrics: fingerprints, facial recognition, voice recognition, or retina scans
- Behavioral traits: Like typing and touchscreen dynamics
- Possession factors: Authentication via something a user owns or carries with them, such as a code generated by a smartphone authenticator app, one-time passwords (OTPs) received via SMS, or a hardware token.
Utilize Dynamic Authorization
Dynamic authorization is a real-time access control method that allows users to interact with resources based on their context. It means that you can use it to create flexible and granular user access policies that can, at runtime, adapt to security threats, user context, and changing business needs.
This methodology utilizes various attributes, devices, locations, and user roles to assign user access rights to every resource. Due to its practicality and enhanced security, dynamic authorization has become a crucial component of modern Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems.
Implement SSO (Single Sign-On)
Implementing SSO (Single Sign-On) across apps enables a streamlined process, reduces login time, and eliminates the need to remember multiple usernames and passwords. With separate logins for dozens of websites, customers and employees often spend a whole lot of time managing passwords.
According to a report, individuals need to spend 12.6 minutes each week managing passwords, which averages out to 10.9 hours per year per employee. You can save this time using SSO, as it allows users to access multiple platforms with a single login. Furthermore, with Single Sign-on Authentication, your team can focus on their work instead of wasting time on authentication tasks.
Follow Zero-Trust Policies
The truth is, traditional security measures aren’t sufficient to address the ever-changing threat of data breaches. One of the most efficient ways to prevent this issue is to follow Zero-Trust Security Policies within your organization.
According to the core concept of Zero-Trust security, verification is required from every individual trying to access business resources on the company network. Implementing Zero-Trust security means that no one is trusted by default, inside or outside the organization. Here’s what makes zero-trust special:
- Continuous Authentication: Zero Trust requires ongoing authentication. Your credentials and activities are constantly observed, no matter where you are.
- Least Privilege Access: Every user, whether it’s a machine, human, or even computer code, is granted only the necessary access to resources. This approach effectively reduces potential breach points and mitigates insider threats.
- Micro-Segmentation: Rather than relying on a single, vulnerable perimeter, Zero Trust recommends creating multiple isolated segments within networks. This containment strategy ensures that, if a breach occurs, its impact remains limited and contained.
- Adaptive Policies: Thanks to AI and machine learning, Zero Trust can adapt in real time. If the system detects any suspicious activity, it can quickly adjust or revoke access to protect itself.
Use MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
MFA or Multi-Factor Authentication is another effective method for modern access control. Using another stand-alone device, such as a mobile device, your system will require multiple verifications, including but not limited to passwords or codes, significantly lowering the chances of a breach.
Adding MFA to your IAM strategy is a straightforward way to enhance security and provide users with peace of mind.
Don’t Forget About M2M (Machine-to-Machine) Interactions
In today’s connected world, machines often talk to each other without human involvement. These M2M interactions are common between systems, networks, and cloud providers. Securing these connections is just as important as protecting user access.
To do this, your IAM and access control system should:
- Authenticate each machine’s identity.
- Grant access based on clear, automated policies.
Implementation of Profile Management
Profile management enables you to conveniently manage different user accounts across diverse platforms. On the downside, the management process can be laborious and time-consuming. Plus, traditional identity management mostly relies on manual inputs, which can slow organizational processes.
To address this, you can implement an automated provisioning procedure that will allow you to automate the handling of user accounts and access rights based on criteria and triggers. It’ll streamline IAM administration and ensure that only approved and trusted users have access to the data.
Utilize the Power of CIAM (Cloud Identity and Access Management)
Cloud Identity and Access Management (CIAM) takes IAM to the next level by leveraging the cloud. Providing CIAM systems means:
- Scalability: Easily handle more users as your business grows
- Flexibility: Access and manage IAM from anywhere
- Unified Policies: Apply the same rules across cloud and on-premise systems
CIAM makes it easy to adapt to changing needs and maintains strong, consistent access control.
Monitor and Improve
Continuous improvement is key. By monitoring and auditing all IAM activities, you can:
- Spot vulnerabilities before they become problems
- Respond quickly to incidents
- Keep your access control system up to date
Checking the IAM activities regularly provides certain preventive measures that enable your business to maintain data security.
Benefits of a Secure and Flexible IAM System
Providing the necessary upgrades to your organization’s IAM brings several benefits that extend far beyond just security. The list below can provide you with a quick scope of the benefits of having a flexible IAM system.
Improvement in User Experience
A modern IAM – Identity and Access Management solution makes life easier for everyone. The self-service features let them manage their own identities. The reduced workload enables IT teams to focus on different tasks and be productive elsewhere.
Enhanced Security and Compliance
Centralized Identity and Access Management (IAM) provides you with full visibility and control over who can access your systems. Having a centralized system helps prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and information loss. Additionally, it simplifies compliance with regulations such as PCI DSS, GDPR, and HIPAA, thanks to built-in auditing and reporting features.
Elimination of Weak Passwords
Weak passwords are a hacker’s best friend. IAM enforces strong password policies and supports passwordless authentication, reducing the risk of brute-force attacks, credential stuffing, and phishing.
Scalability and Flexibility
As your organization grows, your IAM and access control system can scale with you. It’s easy to handle more users, new locations, and even mergers or partnerships. Integration with other IT systems, such as HR or ERP, ensures everything runs smoothly.
Empowered Remote Teams
Remote work is here to stay, and IAM makes it safe and easy. Workers can securely access company resources using their devices. When paired with a trusted VPN, like Surfshark, remote connections are encrypted and protected—even on public networks.
To make security affordable, many sites offer Surfshark coupon codes, helping businesses secure premium VPN services at a lower cost.
If your organization wants a more comprehensive approach to a remote work setup, you can combine a VPN service with a modernized IAM method, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO).
How to Get Started in Modernizing Your Access Control
- Make sure to get an overview of your organization’s current access management system to check any outdated processes that require modification.
- Decide what you want to achieve—better security, easier access, compliance, or all of the above.
- Identify the suitable solution or method mentioned above to enhance your IAM system and security.
- Ensure your new IAM system can integrate with your current IT infrastructure and meet your future needs.
- Ensure everyone understands the new processes and benefits. Training reduces resistance and builds enthusiasm.
- Continuously track performance, gather feedback, and make improvements.
Takeaways
Upgrading your access control system with a modern, flexible Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution isn’t just about keeping up with technology—it’s about giving your business a real advantage. With stronger security, easier compliance, and a smoother experience for everyone (especially remote teams), the benefits are clear.
Furthermore, information and data breaches can be disastrous to any company’s foundation, so keeping up to date with security trends is vital. That said, having the right modernized IAM system in your organization’s security arsenal enables you to create a workspace that is not risk-free but also provides a productive future for your company.