Identity and Access Management

What it is: The broad security framework of policies, processes, and technologies that collectively ensure the right individuals have the right level of access to the right resources at the right time. It is the foundation upon which all other identity security functions are built.

Analogy: Think of your company's IT environment as a highly secure corporate building. IAM is the entire security system and its master plan. It’s the security director who sets the rules, the receptionists who issue ID badges (identities), the electronic system that determines which doors each badge can open (access), and the security cameras that log everyone's movements (auditing).

Business Purpose: To secure company assets and data by rigorously managing digital identities and their permissions. A strong IAM program reduces the risk of data breaches, improves operational efficiency, and is essential for proving compliance with legal and industry regulations.

Identity Governance & Administration

What it is: The policy and process layer of identity security. IGA systems ensure that the right people have the right access to the right resources, and that this access is appropriate for their job function. It answers the question: "Who has access to what, and should they?"

Analogy: It’s the "HR department" for digital access. It handles the entire lifecycle: onboarding new employees with correct starting permissions (Joiner), changing access when they move roles (Mover), and revoking all access immediately upon departure (Leaver). It also automates access requests, approvals, and periodic reviews for auditing and compliance.

Business Purpose: To automate user lifecycle management, enforce access policies (like the Principle of Least Privilege), and prove compliance with regulations like SOX or HIPAA during audits.

Privileged Access Management

What it is: A security solution focused on managing and monitoring the "privileged" accounts within an IT environment. These are the powerful accounts used by administrators, system operators, and automated services that have elevated permissions (the "keys to the kingdom").

Analogy: Think of the master key to a skyscraper. You wouldn't hand it out to just anyone. You keep it in a secure vault, require checkout and check-in, log who uses it and when, and have a camera watching the door to the vault at all times. PAM solutions vault passwords, record privileged sessions, and enforce temporary, "just-in-time" access.

Business Purpose: To prevent the most damaging types of data breaches, which often result from the misuse or hijacking of powerful administrator accounts.