The administration of user identities and access privileges across systems.
Description
Identity Management (IdM) is a framework of policies and technologies that ensures the right individuals access the right resources at the right times for the right reasons. Within the context of Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols, IdM systems allow users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple applications without needing to log in repeatedly. This streamlines user experiences and enhances security by centralizing authentication processes. IdM solutions typically include user provisioning, password management, and role-based access control. SSO protocols like SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) and OAuth enable seamless integration across different platforms, allowing organizations to manage user identities efficiently. For instance, a company using Google Workspace can implement SSO for its employees, allowing them to access Gmail, Google Drive, and other applications with a single set of login credentials. This reduces password fatigue and the risk of breaches due to weak passwords, while also simplifying management for IT departments.
Examples
- Google Workspace allows users to access various applications with a single login using SSO.
- Okta provides Identity Management solutions that support SSO for thousands of applications.
Additional Information
- Identity Management helps in compliance with regulations like GDPR by controlling access to sensitive data.
- Effective IdM can reduce IT costs by minimizing password reset requests and streamlining user onboarding.