What is Identity Management?

Identity management, also called access control and identity monitoring is a modality of technologies and policies for ensuring the correct authorized users have access to technological resources. This includes information technology resources, such as servers and networks. It also encompasses authentication, digital signatures, digital certificates, and biometrics. Such resources may include but are not limited to: databases, application software, hardware and firmware, firewall, and network protocols. In other words, it encompasses a wide variety of technologies used to ensure proper access to information and data.

A B2C system is an off-the-shelf entity designed to provide Identity Management. Moreover, the B2C systems must be customized to the organization’s specific needs. The goal of an organization’s identity management system may vary from day today. These systems may be Single Sign-On (SSO), token-based (T Visa), or Directory Integration (DI). Each system is configured for specific purposes, dependent upon the organization’s unique requirements.

SSO Systems

Single Sign-On (SSO) identity management systems are configured to generate user identities at the user level to provision and execute procedures. These procedures may involve the creation of user certificates and authorizations and the assignment of a password. Single Sign-On may use any of the following technologies: OIN, OpenID, DCOM, Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), Enterprise Mobile Services (EMSS), Kerckhoffs server network services, and centralized data store.

Token-based Single Sign On (SSO) requires no security. Rather, it allows the sharing of token values among multiple users. Such identities can then be protected and controlled by the enterprise per their security requirements. However, token-based systems must be implemented using a client-server architecture.

Directory Integral Identity Management

Directory Integral Identity Management (DAISM) involves two independent but coupled data stores: one that stores domain names and stores authorization codes. This system combines information from both domains to generate and authenticate user identities. This technology further extends the level of authentication beyond mere password usage. For instance, it also uses digital signatures to verify the integrity of the information provided.

Single Sign-On (SSO) and Directory Integral Identity Management (DAISM) are two different approaches that address the problem of managing digital identities within organizations. They are designed to provide organizations with convenient access control features. Single Sign-On simplifies the process of creating user identities by permitting the use of random domain names. Directory Integration introduces multi-tier access controls based on digital certificates. In addition, it offers convenient means of maintaining multiple sets of organizational data in a database.

Human Resources (HR) departments have been investing in identity management systems for the past couple of years to improve organizational productivity and streamline workflow. The HR department aims to ensure appropriate access privileges to company assets and employee records. This system applies to allow list procedures to ensure that only authorized personnel has access to confidential company data. The goal of implementing this system is to prevent unauthorized access to company information by employees. It also improves the security of the organization by improving the handling of sensitive personal data.

Identity management systems are a must for many organizations right now. They simplify processes and procedures that have been tedious and time-consuming for employees and executives. Using identity credentials, organizations can: prevent and mitigate unauthorized access to confidential company data; and increase productivity, efficiency, and customer service. In addition, implementing electronic procedures can help expedite the credential approval process and reduce processing times.

Advantages of Digital Identities

There are many benefits to implementing digital identities. One advantage is that digital identities are more secure than hard-copy passwords. Another benefit is that using digital identities cuts down on the need for paper-based access control. Lastly, using an electronic method of verifying and authenticating user access reduces administrative costs, which can be substantial to many organizations.

Let’s see the complete definition of digital identity in the following sentences: “A digital identity is a combination of factors including but not limited to physical characteristics, activities, processes, information, documents, and technology used to establish a unique digital signature or set of information.” Thus, a digital identity provides more control and access privileges to employees than a physical one. Passwords usually protect digital identities, but the password may be changed by a third party such as an employee or employer. Furthermore, a change of password regularly will prevent unauthorized access to our digital identities.

The following two topics SSO, OVA, and SMSTS, are essential in Identity Management. Many vendors are offering different technologies for Identity Management, such as Identity Management Software (IMS), Identity Management Service (IMS-AS), Identity Management Service Provider (IMS-PO), Identity Management Service Provider (IMS-SP), enterprise CA, public key infrastructure (PKI) and also desktop certificate systems. With WAN or Wide Area Network (WAN), we have an easy way for monitoring the authentication processes and making changes accordingly. Identity Management Services also offers features such as client-server architecture, data access control, email access control, multi–Factor Authentication, social security number, digital signature, MAC address, and also session-response protocol (SRP).