Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) is a critical security function that automates the creation, management, and certification of user accounts, roles, and access rights for individual users in an organization. IGA solutions enable companies to streamline user provisioning, password management, policy management, access governance, and access reviews within their business. In today's fast-paced digital world, organizations face a relentless barrage of evolving security threats. As technology advances, so does the sophistication of cyberattacks. To protect sensitive data, ensure compliance, and secure their operations, businesses need robust Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) solutions. In this article, we will explore the essential components of IGA that every organization, regardless of its size, should incorporate into its security framework.
Here are five IGA features that every organization needs:
1. Automated User Provisioning: This feature enables companies to automate the process of creating user accounts and assigning access rights based on predefined policies. This helps reduce the risk of human error and ensures that users have the appropriate level of access.
2. Role-Based Access Control: This feature enables companies to define roles based on job functions and assign access rights accordingly. This helps ensure that users have access only to the resources they need to perform their job functions.
3. Access Certification: This feature enables companies to automate the process of reviewing user access rights and certifying that they are appropriate. This helps ensure that users have only the necessary level of access.
4. Password Management: This feature enables companies to enforce password policies and automate the process of resetting passwords. This helps reduce the risk of weak passwords and ensures that users have secure passwords.
5. Reporting and Analytics: This feature enables companies to generate reports on user activity and identify potential security risks. This helps organizations stay ahead of potential threats and take proactive measures to mitigate them.
By leveraging these five IGA features appropriately in your organization’s identity strategies and programs, you can mitigate identity-related access risks within your business. IGA is no longer an option but a necessity in today's cyber threat landscape. These essential IGA components provide the foundation for robust enterprise security, protecting businesses from data breaches, insider threats, and regulatory non-compliance while promoting trust and resilience in an ever-evolving digital world.
Considering which IGA solution to Purchase? What to look for in an IGA solution? What Differentiates one from the other?
Here are five capabilities that differentiate a good Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) solution from its competitors, and are the IGA Essentials Every Organization Needs for Enterprise Security:
1. Deep application integration with a no/low code design: Look for pre-built templates and out-of-the-box (OOB) connectors that integrate with hundreds of leading applications. The modern SaaS solutions like Saviynt, SailPoint IdentityNow, Omada allow workflow development with a drag-and-drop design. The simpler approach clears away complexity and allows for configuration without extensive coding. Unless complex use cases and processes require, avoid legacy solutions that require development including using Java, BeanShell and more. The SaaS solution with no/low code design lowers the time needed to onboard applications and identities. Do go for outside professional services who puts your interest first and plan that helps you get the results reduces the overall TCO.
2. Automated access reviews: A good IGA solution should deliver granular access policies that align with the business roles of your users, only granting the minimum access required. This helps organizations to get to zero standing privilege and plan for effective access certifications. A customizable access certification that aligns with your business helps reduce unnecessary access that leads to better governance and lower risk. The good IGA solution should enable implementing a mover scenario that helps with automatically review and revoke access.
3. Robust User Self Service: To reduce support staff and help desk getting burned out with repeated similar questions, go for IGA solution that allow user self service. The User self service capability include a new user to be able to setup their profile, perform self-service password reset that gets synched with all other key downstream systems. Equally important of IGA solution’s capability is to allow user to request access to on boarded resources (e.g. application, entitlements, groups) including multi-level approvals. Finally, a good IGA solution company should be investing into artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) that (if not now) in future should “recommend” possible access the user may be looking for based on peer analysis. All these capabilities alleviate administrative overhead, avoid mistakes and reduce risk of unintended access.
4. Opt for Efficient Enterprise Functionality: IGA solutions vary in their offerings. When comparing options, refrain from overcommitting to capabilities that your organization may never fully utilize. Instead, select an IGA solution that provides essential functionality with a streamlined deployment process, minimizing the need for extensive customization.
5. Stay Pragmatic Amid Sales Pitches: While the sales team is dedicated to their role, it's essential to acknowledge that successful planning and initial implementation of any IGA solution often require professional assistance. Unless your team possesses in-depth expertise with the chosen IGA solution, allocate budget resources for professional services. This support will enable you to fully harness the benefits, features, and capabilities of the IGA solution without undue complications. More than 50% of IGA projects fail short of the expectations, don’t become a statistic.
How CredenceIA can help for an effective planning and deciding on IGA essentials every organization needs for Enterprise Security?
CredenceIA offers comprehensive cybersecurity planning, assessment, implementation, and managed services solutions to help organizations balance efficiency and effectiveness in managing their existing security initiatives. Our team have helped numerous clients with planning and execution of IAM, IGA and PAM initiatives.
CredenceIA Consulting’s team is dedicated to helping organizations reduce their risk of attack, streamline regulatory certification and compliance, improve operational efficiencies , improve access governance and increase end user engagement. Selecting the right IGA solution for ensuring appropriate access is a crucial step in mitigating risk and improving the overall security posture of your organization. Don’t wait until you are reacting to a security incident. CredenceIA Consulting’s Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions can help lay the foundation for a solid Identity and Access Management program in your organization. Our experienced team helps CISOs with making business case for modern IAM, IGA programs, stay compliant, provide foundation for effective program planning from requirements to organizational change management.
By partnering with CredenceIA, our clients get personalized attention, agility, cost-effective solutions, and deep expertise. Your organization's security is not a one-size-fits-all matter, and neither should your service provider be. Contact us today to experience the CredenceIA difference and to discuss how our expert advisors can help your organizations to make the business case for transitioning from legacy IGA systems.
Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. For specific cybersecurity guidance and implementation, consult with a qualified cybersecurity consultant at CredenceIA Consulting.