User access management tools provide the means to control access to valuable resources, data, and applications, while Single Sign-On (SSO) simplifies authentication by allowing users to log in once and access multiple applications without needing to authenticate separately for each one.
Unfortunately, many corporate applications don't support the SSO standard and can't reap all the benefits. The applications that fall into this category are best called "nonfederated." Nonfederated applications are a new category that is becoming increasingly challenging for businesses to manage and secure effectively, yet increasingly critical for businesses to succeed.
Cerby connects all of your apps to your SSO tools, even if they don't support the SSO standard. In this guide, you'll learn about SSO software, the history, and the benefits.
Not all apps are created equal. Some come with security gaps and complexities that can hinder user adoption and put sensitive data at risk. With Cerby, you can ensure secure and seamless access to all your applications, regardless of their support for standards like SSO.
User access management tools provide the means to control access to valuable resources, data, and applications. With the increasing complexity of IT systems and the growing threat of cyber attacks, robust user management solutions have become more crucial than ever. These tools help to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive information, thereby protecting the organization from unauthorized access and other security risks.
An access management system is a set of tools and processes designed to manage access to digital resources. These systems enable administrators to define user roles and track user activity, granting everyone the appropriate level of access based on their respective roles. By implementing a robust access management system, organizations can achieve a higher level of security and compliance. To highlight the importance of an access management strategy, the Ponemon Institute held a research study analyzing 595 IT and security practitioners in the United States that are involved in their organization’s identity and access management strategy. This research uncovered that organizations are struggling to reduce the cybersecurity risks caused by shared accounts and that half of the respondents enable employees to share login credentials. However, only 27% of the organizations that share accounts are effective in reducing cybersecurity, meaning that the remaining 73% are high-risk organizations for cyber attacks.
User access management solutions offer several key benefits, including:
User access management solutions come in various forms. Some of the most popular tools include SailPoint Compass, Keycloak, and Microsoft Identity Manager. SailPoint Compass is a comprehensive identity governance platform that enables organizations to manage user access across systems and applications.
Open-source options for user access management offer a cost-effective and customizable alternative to proprietary solutions. These systems generally provide similar features and capabilities as commercial products but are available under open-source licenses, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability. Popular open-source user management systems include Apache Syncope and Open Identity Platform.
Apache Syncope is an open-source user management system designed for managing users, groups, and roles across various applications and services. Key features include role-based access control and password management. Open Identity Platform is another system that offers features such as single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, and access governance. A key advantage of Open Identity Platform is its modular architecture, enabling easy customization and integration with existing systems.
The open-source access management and open-source identity governance landscape is constantly evolving, and new solutions are entering the space on a near-daily basis. While Apache Syncope and Open Identity Platform represent two vital systems on the market today, they are but two solutions in a vastly diverse ecosystem. As such, organizations should carefully research different platforms before deciding on a solution for access management.
The rising popularity of cloud-based identity and access management solutions can be attributed to the increasing adoption of cloud services and the need for efficient user management systems. These solutions make it easier to manage user access to resources across multiple platforms and devices. Azure identity management, along with other notable cloud-based options, is a great example of a platform that offers advanced features to simplify processes.
Azure Identity and Access Management is a cloud-based solution by Microsoft. It is designed to simplify user management, enhance security, and facilitate regulatory compliance. The adoption of Azure has been fueled by its seamless integration with other Microsoft services, like Azure Active Directory and Microsoft 365. This integration allows organizations to manage user access across their entire Microsoft ecosystem, ensuring end-users a consistent and secure experience.
Other notable cloud-based identity and access management solutions include Okta, OneLogin, and SailPoint IdentityNow. These solutions offer similar features and benefits as Azure IAM, such as SSO, MFA, and RBAC, along with additional capabilities tailored to specific use cases or industries. These options grant organizations the flexibility to choose a solution that best fits their unique requirements and preferences.
Specialized identity and access management tools play a crucial role in addressing specific aspects of identity and access. These tools focus on certain elements of IAM, allowing businesses to implement targeted solutions that complement their broader identity management strategy. Identity governance and administration vendors offer many different types of tools that cater to the unique needs of organizations in managing user access.
In addition to identity governance, identity management tools and physical identity and access management solutions may help with certain administrative aspects of identity management. By deploying such tools, companies can improve the user experience and manage user accounts more effectively. Considering the number of solutions available today, however, choosing between them can be difficult. Here’s what to look for in a solution:
The top 10 identity and access management tools bring a plethora of features and benefits to the table. These tools are offered by leading IAM software vendors and are designed to address the unique needs and requirements of organizations of all sizes and industries. Here are the top identity and access management tools to consider when choosing a solution: