The policies and tools, known as IAM, that control who can access which systems and data, and what they are allowed to do.
Identity and access management covers the full lifecycle of digital identities: creating accounts for new staff or customers, verifying identity during login, granting the right permissions, reviewing access over time, and removing it when someone leaves or changes role. IAM applies to people and also to machines, such as services and AI agents that call APIs.
For example, when a new nurse joins a clinic, an IAM system can create accounts in the scheduling and health record systems with permissions suited to the role, require multi-factor authentication, and automatically revoke access when employment ends. Strong IAM is central to zero trust security, because identity becomes the main checkpoint for access. Common weaknesses include leftover accounts for former employees and users who gradually collect more permissions than they need.
Software, known as MDM, that lets an organization configure, secure, and monitor the phones, tablets, and laptops used for work.
Principle of Least PrivilegeA security rule that people, programs, and devices should have only the minimum access needed to do their job, and no more.
Single Sign-OnAn authentication method, known as SSO, that lets people log in once and access many applications without signing in to each separately.
Zero TrustA security model built on the principle never trust, always verify, requiring every user and device to be authenticated and authorized continuously.
A step-by-step access review for shared drives, SaaS apps and admin rights, so every person and app has only the access they actually need.
Cloud or on-premise? A practical decision guide comparing cost structure, control, security and staffing in 1 table, plus a step-by-step way to decide.
Why attackers go after admin accounts first, what privileged access management does and the practical steps any business can take to control admin access.