Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a system that helps organisations control who can access their systems, applications, and data, and what they’re allowed to do once they’re in.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Identity: It verifies who a person is, like using a username, password, or even fingerprint.
- Access: It ensures that people only get access to the information or tools they need for their role—nothing more.
- Management: IAM tracks and manages user accounts, permissions, and activities to ensure security and compliance.
Think of IAM as a digital gatekeeper that checks everyone’s ID, gives them the right keys for specific doors, and keeps a log of who went where. This ensures security and prevents unauthorised access.