How Cloud IAM Integrates With Other Security Systems

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This guide explains how Cloud Identity and Access Management tools can integrate with other security. We explore why including IAM integration in your identity and access strategy is a great idea. You’ll also learn the common ways the Cloud IAM integration works and the most significant benefits of an integrated approach.

To help you narrow down a shortlist, use our due diligence checklist to help you choose between Identity and Access Management companies.

 

Can Cloud Identity and Access Management Integrate with Other Security?

Yes, Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM) can integrate with other security measures as part of an IT security stack. For example, cloud IAM can be integrated and layered alongside software, policies and managed services. Doing so will provide a comprehensive security solution capable of defending against known and unknown and internal and external threats.

Identity and Access Management is critical, and IAM integration spans every layer of security. As a result, organisations may get Cloud IAM projects moving faster by working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP).

 

Examples of How Cloud IAM Integration Works

Cloud Identity and Access Management can integrate however you wish. These are some common IAM integration choices SMEs and large organisations make.

  1. Network Security: For starters, Firewalls, Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) and Network Detection and Response (NDR). IAM integration helps network administrators control access based on user identities and device roles.
  2. Endpoint Security: Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and any perimeter software active on endpoint devices. IAM integration authenticates devices and users before accessing resources and data
  3. Cloud Security: Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs), Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) and Azure Identity and Access Management. IAM integration strengthens your forcefield around mission-critical functionality.
  4. Threat Intelligence: Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Operations Centre solutions. IAM integration gives SOC analysts or administrators a clear view of if access or identity abuse is behind security alerts.

The above are just a few ways that Cloud IAM integrates with other security in a robust identity and access strategy. Speak to an expert consultant or MSP to better understand the integration options unique to your business.

 

What Security Layer is Cloud IAM in?

Cloud IAM is different to other types of security in that it spans all layers of a security stack. It simultaneously functions at every layer in specific ways, per the processes unique to each layer. IT leaders must consider how each security layer works with IAM integration when designing an identity and access strategy.

For example, at the perimetre level, IAM integration must consider SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) software. At the network level, NDR (Network Detection and Response) software. At the endpoint level, EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response).

Your identity and access strategy requires different balances of speed, risk and usability. Balances will depend on the criticality and sensitivity of each security layer and the software it deploys. Therefore, the Cloud Identity and Access Management capabilities applied and integrated at each layer may differ.

Undertaking an IT infrastructure audit with a specialist consultant can help you make sense of a complex – but necessary – project. It’s not necessarily expensive or long-winded to get Cloud IAM and IAM integration set up; just very niche!

 

Should You Integrate Cloud IAM With Other Security Measures?

Yes, you should integrate your Cloud Identity and Access Management with other security measures as part of a comprehensive strategy. Integration is a crucial factor in any good identity and access strategy. It is often the first thing to be looked at once tools are chosen.

IAM integration helps organisations establish a more robust security framework that bolsters every aspect of their security infrastructure. It pushes your security stack harder – powering up performance and return on investment by slashing the risks associated with human error.

 

What Are the Business Benefits of IAM Integration?

IAM integration has many benefits, including threat containment, compliance management, cost efficiency and strategic insight.

. Cloud Identity and Access Management is not enough to secure an IT environment. Credible security stacks will use integration across several infrastructure layers. Here are four vital benefits of integrating IAM.

  • Threat containment: Integrating IAM with other security measures prevents threats from cascading through your network. If one layer is breached, IAM can block a threat from travelling further by forcing authentication.
  • Compliance: IAM integration can make it far easier to implement, track and report on compliance with regulatory frameworks. GDPR and PCI DSS, for example, demand specific data protection measures across multiple IT layers. The authentication and access controls of Cloud Integration and Access Management make controlling these moving parts simpler.
  • Cost effectiveness: IAM integration increases security effectiveness by reducing the threat of human error, internal threats and credential theft. This maximises security investment and potentially reduces the high costs associated with unauthorised access (data breaches, compliance fines, downtime).
  • Visibility: Integrating IAM with threat detection and response solutions gives IT leaders a precise view of user behaviour and threat trends. This insight helps inform identity and access strategy and broader security processes.

 

What Cloud IAM Tools Can You Integrate?

With the right team on your side, any Cloud Identity and Access Management tool can be integrated with other security. Of course, you might need an application developer, database engineer, network administrator or specialist consultant, but in theory, it’s achievable! Here are some tools that (with or without expert support) are sensible to integrate :

 

Do You Need IAM Integration in Your Business?

Sentis Managed Solutions provide Cloud Identity and Access Management solutions, including consultation, specification, selection, and implementation from leading brands. Confirming your needs before committing is always best, so why not book a free security audit with Sentis?

Learn more about our audits here or browse our IAM solutions.