Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a critical component of the security strategy of an enterprise to safeguard the integrity of its digital ecosystem. With the increasing number of cyber-attacks and data breaches, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information and systems is more important than ever. Identity-as-service allows administrators to assign a single digital identity to each entity, authenticate and authorize them to access specified resources, and monitor and manage those identities throughout their lifecycle.
This article will explore the benefits of IDaaS, the key features of IDaaS solutions, and how organizations can leverage IDaaS to improve their overall security. Whether you are a small business owner or a large-scale enterprise, IDaaS is crucial for establishing trust in your digital ecosystem.
What is Identity as a Service (IDaaS)?
Identity as a service, often known as IDaaS, is a type of cloud-based IAM solution provided by a third-party supplier. Many different services may be included in IDaaS, such as: Individual Sign-On (SSO) Adaptive identification. verifying a directory service. Enterprises are embracing cloud and mobile technologies. As they do, they’re moving beyond traditional network boundaries and the capabilities of their on-premise identity and access management (IAM) solutions. An important thing to note here is that on-premise IDAM is here to stay and its relevance cuts across industries that work within the domain of data residency and sovereignty regulations.
It enables businesses to manage users' identities, access privileges, and authentication across multiple applications and services, both on-premises and in the cloud. IDaaS solutions typically offer a centralized user directory, single sign-on (SSO), multifactor authentication (MFA), and other identity and access management (IAM) features that help organizations protect their data and applications from unauthorized access. With the growing adoption of cloud services and the increasing need for secure authentication and access control, IDaaS has become a critical component of modern enterprise security, adopting cloud computing and remote work practices, and seeking to simplify their IAM processes while maintaining security and compliance.
How Does Identity as a Service (IDaaS) Work?
Identity as a service (IDaaS) works by centralizing user authentication and authorization processes and providing a single sign-on (SSO) interface that allows users to access multiple applications and services with a single set of login credentials.
Here's a breakdown of how IDaaS works:
- User registration and authentication: The first step in IDaaS is the registration of user identities. Users can register by creating a new account or by linking their existing accounts from various identity providers (such as Google or Facebook) to the IDaaS platform. Once the user identity is registered, IDaaS verifies the user's identity through various authentication mechanisms, such as passwords, two-factor authentication (2FA), or biometric authentication.
- Access management: After user authentication, IDaaS manages access to various applications and services. The platform employs identity and access management (IAM) policies to control user access to specific resources, based on user roles, permissions, and access rules. This helps ensure that users only have access to the pre-defined resources based on job functions.
- Single sign-on: IDaaS also provides a single sign-on (SSO) interface that allows users to access multiple applications and services with a single set of login credentials. This eliminates the need for users to remember multiple usernames and passwords, making it easier and more convenient to access accounts. SSO also enhances security by reducing the number of login credentials that users need to manage.
- Provisioning and De-Provisioning: IDaaS facilitates automated user provisioning and de-provisioning, which in turn results in simplified user management. An example of this is the selective authorization of the user for all resources that can be accessed. When a new user joins the organization, their identity can be easily provisioned to all the applications and services they need access to. Similarly, when an employee leaves the organization, their access to all resources can be automatically revoked.
- Reporting and Analytics: IDaaS solutions provide reports and analytics on user access and activity. This allows organizations to monitor user activity and detect potential security threats or policy violations. Overall, IDaaS provides a convenient and secure way for organizations to manage user identities and access to resources, while also improving the user experience through SSO and automated provisioning.
Benefits of IDaaS
Ease of use and customer satisfaction is one of the major perks offered by IDaaS. It offers convenience to users by providing a single sign-on (SSO) solution. With SSO, users only need to remember one set of login credentials to access multiple applications and services. This eliminates the need for users to remember multiple usernames and passwords, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. Additionally, IDaaS allows users to access their accounts from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easier for remote workers and employees who travel frequently.
Finally, IDaaS offers cost savings to businesses. By using IDaaS, organizations can reduce the cost of maintaining their identity management systems. IDaaS providers handle the hardware, software, and maintenance of their systems, freeing up IT staff to focus on other areas. Additionally, IDaaS is scalable, allowing organizations to easily add or remove users as needed. This eliminates the need to purchase additional hardware or software licenses as the organization grows.
IDaaS offers a plethora of benefits to businesses and end-users, including enhanced user experience, accelerated time-to-value, flexibility and cost savings. As more businesses move to the cloud and remote work becomes more prevalent, IDaaS is becoming an essential tool for managing user identities and ensuring the security of sensitive data and applications.
Types of IDaaS
As we have already understood the benefits IDaaS providers can offer, let us look at the various types of IDaaS solutions available, each with its own set of features and functionalities. IDaaS can be broadly classified into four main categories:
- Single Sign-On (SSO) IDaaS: It offers users a single set of login credentials to access multiple applications and services. SSO IDaaS eliminates the dependence on manual intervention, which improves the user experience and reduces the risk of password-related security breaches.
- Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) IDaaS: This solution focuses on managing user access to resources based on business policies and rules. IGA IDaaS solutions provide features such as automated user provisioning and de-provisioning, role-based access control, and access certification.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) IDaaS: This type of IDaaS solution provides an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional authentication factors, such as biometrics or one-time passwords, in addition to their username and password. MFA IDaaS solutions are particularly useful for securing sensitive resources and protecting against identity theft and fraud.
- Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) IDaaS: This type of IDaaS solution is designed to manage user identities and access to resources for customers or external stakeholders. CIAM IDaaS solutions provide features such as social media log in, self-service registration, and user profile management.
- API-based IDaaS: This type of IDaaS solution is designed to integrate with other cloud-based services and applications through APIs (application programming interfaces). API-based IDaaS solutions provide developers with a standardized way to manage user identities and access to resources across multiple cloud-based services and applications.
Choosing the right IDaaS can cater to the need of establishing trust in the digital ecosystem. Additionally, it offers improved security, streamlined user management, and enhanced user experiences. A comprehensive IDaaS solution in place ensures efficient, seamless, and secure identity management.
Is IDaaS the future?
With an industry-wide shift from firewalls to zero-trust models and the security requirements of IoT, identity management is the way to go. Identity management offered by a comprehensive and dynamic IDaaS provider offers strong control of resource access, especially in highly distributed and dynamic environments. It establishes the first line of protection for your organization’s networks and resources.
If you are looking for a dynamic, scalable, and comprehensive IDM platform, well, look no further. eMudhra is a global trust service provider that offers transaction, digital identity and access management solutions that ease the financial and statutory needs of consumers.
We understand your need for a hassle-free security solution. Our platform allows single sign-on with centralized access management capabilities. Whether you are a large enterprise with applications stacked across the cloud or an SME with an on-prem need, our IAM solution can help reduce the complexity around user access and authentication through a centralized low-cost access management solution.
Contact us now to learn more about securing your digital ecosystem with trusted identities!