The Internet is constantly bombarded with new accounts and information every day. As you can imagine, figuring out identities and access is a tricky procedure.
Your business operates on a similar mentality. With the rise in cloud-based systems and the growing popularity of remote work, it’s essential to keep your data accurate. Identity management and access management are today’s most valuable tools for reducing the risk of fraud or identity theft.
What’s the difference between identity management vs access management? Should you overhaul your business model to adapt? We’ll explain the benefits of upgrading your security approach below.
What’s the Difference Between Identity Management vs Access Management?
Identity management and access management are opposite sides of one coin. While identity management authenticates your identity, access management determines what you can use.
Every time you log into an online account or sign in with your business, you utilize identity management. Identity management takes the form of determining essential details such as:
- Name
- Gender
- Race
- Birthday
- Job title
Keep in mind not just anyone can validate whether or not your identity is valid. Each organization will have their own detailed rules and regulations for determining your authenticity. Failing to pass the identity management test will lock you out of actions or information.
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Where is Identity Management Used?
Identity management is used in a variety of day-to-day settings. The shorter list would be to say where identity management isn’t used.
Identity management services crop up in locations such as:
- Hospitals
- Banks
- Small businesses
- Corporations
- Government settings
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Shore up your defenses before something goes wrong, not after. We’ve provided businesses and residential areas with superior security defenses for nearly a century.
Where Should Access Control Be Used?
Access control is the natural conclusion to identity management. Once your identity is confirmed, access control will determine what you can do and where.
Access control systems use a blend of tools ranging from biometric identification services to password protection. In fact, your first step toward improved data security is determining which form of access control is most compatible with your company.
What’s the Difference Between Authorization and Authentication?
Authentication is the act of determining whether you are who you say you are. Authorization is the act of allowing you access to specific data, roles, or resources. It’s easy to get these two terms mixed up with each other.
For example, a mid-level worker could have access to a limited range of information in an organization based on their title. A low-level worker would have even more limited information. This access could shift depending on the access control used.
What are the Top 3 Types of Access Control?
Should you use all forms of access control or just one? Asking yourself these questions up front will help immensely with protecting the information of your employees and customers.
Discretionary Access Control for Maximum Oversight
Discretionary Access Control (or DAC) is a great tool if you want the maximum amount of oversight possible. A set administrator or owner in charge will determine the data or policies needed for access.
Role-Based Access Control for Busy Companies
If you’re a larger company without the time needed for individual access, Role-Based Access Control is an ideal choice. This access control uses predefined parameters to determine which employees can access certain information.
These parameters are often defined by:
- Roles
- Schedules
- Time-sensitive projects
Mandatory Access Control for Government Settings
This form of access control is highly useful for government settings that regularly establish clearance for employees.
Are There Any Other Forms of Access Control?
While the first three forms of access control are the most common, there is another one to keep in mind. Attribute-Based Access Control (or ABAC) is a highly flexible method that changes on a dime.
If you have to assign access based on fluid factors like time and day, consider using this tool.
How Does Identity Management and Access Management Keep Me Safe?
Identity management and access management are vital components of a thriving business. These tools drastically reduce your risk for expensive issues like data theft, data breaches, and identity fraud.
Did you know the state of California reported nearly 148,000 cases of identity theft in 2020? Identity theft is the act of stealing a person’s identity and using it for nefarious purposes, such as making illegal purchases or taking credit for intellectual property. Your employees and customers will both be at risk unless you establish stronger security measurements.
Identity management ensures malicious third-parties aren’t able to pass layered tests determining their identity. Even should they slip past your defenses, access management adds another layer of scrutiny.
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Conclusion
Identity management vs access management are fantastic resources for modern businesses. These tools work together to keep your business information, customer information, and employee information under lock and key.
Identity management is the act of determining the validity of a person’s identity, such as their role, address, or personal information. Access management is the act of giving out access based on specific details, such as time of day, title, or time-sensitive projects.
Give your business the ability to weather the unknown. Contact us today to strengthen your security defenses in 2022.