Identity and Access Management in Software Architecture

What is IAM?

Identity and Access Management (IAM) refers to the policies and technologies used to manage and secure user identities and control access to resources within an organization. IAM ensures that the right individuals have the appropriate access to technology resources.

Key Concepts

Authentication: Verifying the identity of a user or system.
Authorization: Granting access to resources based on user identity and access levels.
Accountability: Tracking user actions to ensure compliance and auditing.
Single Sign-On (SSO): Allowing users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple applications.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Using more than one method of authentication to enhance security.

Processes

Step-by-Step IAM Process


graph TD;
    A[User Requests Access] --> B[Authentication];
    B --> C{Is Authenticated?};
    C -->|Yes| D[Authorization];
    C -->|No| E[Access Denied];
    D --> F[Access Granted];

Best Practices

Implement strong password policies.
Use MFA for sensitive applications.
Regularly review and update access permissions.
Maintain an audit trail of user activities.
Educate users about phishing and social engineering threats.

FAQ

What is the difference between authentication and authorization?

Authentication verifies who you are, while authorization determines what you can access.

Why is MFA important?

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access.

What is SSO?

Single Sign-On allows users to log in once and gain access to multiple applications without needing to log in again.