Security isn’t just about protecting what’s inside your company’s network. Employees now work from virtually anywhere, including home offices, airports, and cafes, using personal and company devices to access business apps and data stored across multiple cloud platforms. This has resulted in a shift toward identity and access management (IAM).
What is identity and access management?
IAM is a cybersecurity framework designed to verify user identities and manage their access to company systems, applications, and data. Its main purpose is to confirm that every user is who they claim to be and that they have the appropriate level of access to company resources.
Without proper IAM controls, employees might share passwords, use weak credentials, or retain system access after changing roles. What’s worse is if hackers gain access to unused or poorly protected accounts, they can easily move through a company’s network undetected and wreak havoc from within.
Implementing IAM enables organizations to control access privileges across on-premises and cloud computing environments, reducing the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and stolen login details.
Common misconceptions about IAM
IAM is often misunderstood, which can lead to poor implementation and increased vulnerability. To avoid falling into this trap, you must be aware of these common misconceptions about IAM:
IAM is a standalone solution
Many assume IAM is software you install like antivirus software. In reality, it’s a collection of technologies that work in unison to manage user identities and permissions securely. An effective IAM system will often include a combination of the following security measures:
- Multifactor authentication (MFA): MFA strengthens security by requiring users to prove their identity in more than one way before gaining access. In addition to a password, they might need to enter a code sent to their phone, use a fingerprint scan, or approve a push notification. This extra step makes it much harder for hackers to break in, even if they’ve stolen someone’s password.
- Single sign-on (SSO): SSO allows users to log in once and gain access to multiple applications without having to remember separate usernames and passwords for each one. It simplifies the login process while maintaining strong security, reducing the temptation to reuse passwords or store them insecurely.
- Role-based access control (RBAC): RBAC limits access to data and systems based on an employee’s job. For instance, an HR manager can view payroll information, but a marketing associate cannot.
- Conditional access permissions: Conditional access builds on IAM policies by evaluating when and how users can access resources. It uses factors such as location, device type, network, and user behavior to determine whether access should be granted.
- Privileged access management (PAM): PAM focuses on protecting and monitoring the activity of accounts with higher levels of access (e.g., system administrators or executives) since these accounts can make major system changes or access sensitive data.
- Identity governance: This aspect of IAM involves regularly reviewing access permissions, identifying unnecessary privileges, and helping organizations stay compliant with data protection regulations.
IAM eliminates human error-caused data breaches
Even the most advanced IAM system can’t completely remove human mistakes from the equation. Using weak passwords, sharing credentials, or clicking on a convincing phishing email can still compromise an account. This is why IAM works best when paired with employee cybersecurity training and proactive threat monitoring.
IAM is just for large enterprises
It’s easy to think IAM is a luxury reserved for big corporations, but that’s far from the truth. Small and medium-sized businesses are frequent cybercrime targets precisely because they often lack strong identity controls.
Cloud-based IAM tools make it possible for businesses of any size to adopt enterprise-level protection at an affordable cost. They also save time by automating account setup, password resets, and permission reviews. By implementing IAM early, smaller companies can prevent costly breaches before they happen and build a solid foundation for future growth.
IAM is designed solely for remote or hybrid teams
Although IAM gained attention during the shift to remote work, it’s just as valuable in on-site environments. Even companies that operate entirely in-office rely on cloud platforms, mobile apps, and shared workstations, all of which require controlled access. Without IAM, tracking which employee accessed a system or file becomes nearly impossible. IAM ties every action to a verified user, improving accountability and reducing risk no matter where the work happens.
Understanding how IAM works helps your business close security gaps and protect user identities effectively. If you’re ready to upgrade your identity protection strategy, contact Tech Partners Hawaii today to learn how our IAM solutions can protect your organization.