What is Identity Management?

Identity Management (IDM) is about managing and securing digital identities within an organisation. It means that organisations have control over who has access to which systems, applications and data. In practice, Identity Management is how user accounts are created, managed and secured so that the right people have the right rights - and only for as long as they need them.

Why is Identity Management important?

Without a good Identity Management system, an organisation can lose track of who has access to which systems. This can lead to:

• Security risks if former employees still have access to company systems.
• Data breaches if unauthorised people gain access to sensitive information.
• Compliance issues if the organisation cannot document who has access to what data.

With Identity Management, companies can ensure that access is controlled, documented and easily adaptable to changes in the organisation.

The key features of Identity Management

An Identity Management system typically includes these functions:

• User creation and management
  • Automated creation and cancellation of user accounts.
  • Integration with HR systems so employees automatically get the right rights when hired and lose them when they leave.
• Single Sign-On (SSO)
  • A solution that makes it possible to log in to multiple systems with one password.
  • Increases security and usability as employees do not need to remember multiple passwords.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Extra security layer at login, e.g. a one-time code via SMS or an authentication in an app.
  • Protects against unauthorised access even if a password is compromised.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
  • Rights are assigned based on the employee's role in the organisation.
  • Ensures employees only have access to what they need.
• Privileged Access Management (PAM)
  • Controlling users with administrative rights.
  • Restrict access to critical systems and reduce the risk of misuse.
• Identity monitoring and reporting
  • Continuous monitoring of access rights to detect unusual activities.
  • Documentation of access logs for compliance purposes.

Benefits of Identity Management

A strong Identity Management system provides several benefits:

• Increased security - Reduces the risk of hacking and insider threats.
• Better compliance - Helps meet requirements such as GDPR and NIS2.
• Less administration - Automates user creation and access management.
• Improved user experience - With single sign-on and self-service solutions.

Frequently asked questions about Identity Management