What is Identity-as-a-Service?

Identity-as-a-service (IDaaS) is an application delivery model, similar to software-as-a-service (SaaS), enabling users to access and utilize identity management services from the cloud.

Also known as cloud-based identity security, the move to implement IDaaS started several years ago, driven by companies with a digital-first IT adoption strategy. Many IDaaS solutions harness cloud computing and adaptive authentication to enhance or expedite business processes. This approach to identity and access management (IAM) leverages online computing power, database storage, and other IT resources.

What is Identity Management?

Identity management ensures that the right people in an organization have the appropriate access to the necessary resources. IDaaS technology is used to correctly identify, authenticate, and authorize employees, using access rights to prevent unauthorized users from accessing confidential files or documents. As cybersecurity threats continue to grow, identity and access management helps maintain organized protection.

When did IDaaS Emerge?

The rise of IDaaS is directly linked to the cybersecurity threats emerging from an increasingly digital world.

A secure identity platform became essential to manage the growing number of identity access tasks needed for robust protection. Without such a platform, enterprises relying on self-service solutions couldn’t ensure a quality user experience for their employees without dedicating significant time to system maintenance, as manual updates are prone to being overlooked.

IDaaS solutions offered automated, sustainable protection for expanding companies that didn’t want to be burdened with IAM responsibilities. The outcome was predictable—an increased demand for IAM solutions designed to adapt to the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape

Why is Cloud-based Identity Security Critical?

The right IAM solution can help your organization effectively tackle today’s complex business challenges by balancing three critical objectives:

• Deliver access services efficiently and cost-effectively. With self-service access request tools and provisioning, IDaaS streamlines user access across your organization while continuously enforcing governance rules and compliance policies. IDaaS also empowers business users to manage their own access and passwords, reducing the workload on help desk and IT operations teams.
• Protect against internal and external security threats. Securing your IAM system involves quickly identifying potential exposures, such as inappropriate access, policy violations, and unsecured data and applications. The right IDaaS solution helps enterprises proactively detect and remediate inappropriate access, strengthen password policies, and eliminate risks like orphan or rogue accounts.
• Meet regulatory compliance requirements for security and privacy. IDaaS helps your organization replace costly paper-based and manual access reviews and certifications with automated tools. This significantly reduces the cost of IAM compliance for regulations like GDPR, while establishing repeatable practices for a more consistent, auditable, and secure access certification effort.

Examples of IDaaS

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication service that allows users to access multiple applications and sites using a single set of credentials. For example, when Orrstown Bank automated their identity management processes, they needed an IDaaS solution capable of seamlessly onboarding hundreds of “applicants” without compromising security. By using an SSO solution to address their customer identity challenge, they were able to alleviate pressure on their helpdesk and significantly reduce the time required for platform access.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA provides enterprises with advanced security and authentication controls using their preferred MFA solution provider. Certified MFA vendors compatible with this new framework include Duo, RSA, and Microsoft. When Weight Watchers needed to transition their legacy systems to an online solution and procure IAM services, they used IDaaS automation to ensure every user was securely transferred to the new server.

Identity Management

Identity and access management is a cybersecurity specialty focused on ensuring that only the right people have access to the appropriate data and resources—at the right times and for the right reasons. When Norwich University faced challenges with manually managing passwords for their online graduate school, they deployed an identity management program that automated student onboarding and expedited access to email, applications, and other necessary resources.

Provisioning

When a worker is assigned a role through your system, they are automatically provisioned access with a role-based IAM solution. If the worker changes roles or leaves the organization, their IAM profile is promptly adjusted or removed from the active directory. For example, a promotion from IT technician to IT manager would complicate a manual system due to the need to balance IT and management access. Using IDaaS to automate this process alleviates pressure and reduces the risk of user errors associated with self-service solutions.

The Power of Identity from the Cloud

The right IAM solution will help you manage and control access for every user in your organization. By using a unified system to oversee access to both on-premises and digital resources, you can maintain control of identity no matter where an application is deployed:

• See Everything: IAM solutions must connect to all enterprise systems, from long-standing legacy applications to the latest SaaS applications. They should provide visibility into all aspects of a user’s identity across all applications, data, and users—regardless of their location or devices. Achieving this with a self-service solution would be nearly impossible without dedicating an entire department to the task, and even then, user errors would still be a concern.
• Govern Everything: Organizations need to understand who should have access, who does have access, and how users are utilizing their access across all applications and data. This involves defining a desired IAM state and continuously assessing where access misaligns with this model. When these updates are automated, your primary responsibility is to set the system’s rules and let the system handle the rest.
• Empower Everyone: Allow business users to work in their preferred manner, wherever they are and on any device they use. Empowering users with identity and access management, while balancing security and risk management, enables safe collaboration both within and outside the network. IAM solutions not only enhance protection but also build better relationships with employees by enabling them to safely access resources, collaborate remotely, and maintain flexibility.

FAQ’s

What is Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS)?

Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS) is an application delivery model similar to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), enabling users to access and utilize identity management services from the cloud.

Why is Cloud-based Identity Security Critical?

Cloud-based identity security is critical because it helps organizations efficiently deliver access services, protect against security threats, and meet regulatory compliance requirements in today’s complex business landscape.

How does IDaaS streamline access management?

IDaaS streamlines access management by providing self-service access request tools and provisioning, empowering users to manage their own access and passwords while enforcing governance rules and compliance policies.

What are some examples of IDaaS solutions?

Examples of IDaaS solutions include Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), identity management programs, and automated provisioning systems.

How does IDaaS help organizations meet regulatory compliance requirements?

IDaaS helps organizations meet regulatory compliance requirements by replacing manual access reviews and certifications with automated tools, reducing the cost of compliance and establishing repeatable practices for secure access certification efforts.

How does IDaaS empower users while maintaining security?

IDaaS empowers users by allowing them to work in their preferred manner, wherever they are and on any device they use, while balancing security and risk management to ensure safe collaboration both within and outside the network.

What are some benefits of using IDaaS for identity management?

Benefits of using IDaaS for identity management include increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness in delivering access services, enhanced protection against internal and external security threats, and improved regulatory compliance through automated tools and processes.

Conclusion

IDaaS is crucial for modern organizations, offering efficient and secure identity management in today’s digital era. With cloud-based security, it streamlines access, enhances protection, and ensures regulatory compliance. Through solutions like SSO and MFA, IDaaS proves its adaptability and effectiveness. It empowers users, strengthens security, fosters collaboration, and is essential for navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape.