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Best IAM (Identity and Access Management) Solutions

Due to widespread employment losses, there is a growing requirement for businesses to guarantee data security as remote working becomes more commonplace in light of COVID-19. It is not unexpected that more and more businesses are using Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions to improve general security when these factors are combined with increased security threats. The IAM industry is expected to expand at a CAGR of more than 10% through 2025, crossing the $10 billion mark in 2018.

IAM solutions essentially allow companies to protect their information assets against rising ransomware, phishing, and criminal hacking risks. According to ForgeRock's most recent Consumer Identity Breach Report, unauthorized access has become the main cause of data breaches.

Organizations may design and manage user roles and assign access in accordance with them using IAM systems. Consistent user access rules and regulations are made available throughout the company via a strong and well-planned IAM system. User can have more control over their digital assets by having the organization adjust their role and monitor their activity.

The IAM system's function extends beyond only ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to business information. It aids in complying with regulations. For instance, HIPAA makes businesses responsible for limiting access to employee and customer information. Strong user access restrictions, however, are required by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe.

IAM requirements vary for each company, therefore it's critical to carefully assess the solution to make sure your requirements are met by its features and capabilities.

IAM technologies come in a variety of forms, such as identity repositories, reporting and monitoring apps, security policy enforcement, password management tools, and more. They are accessible for both on-board and cloud-based systems.

In this article, we will define what an IAM tool is and why organizations need an IAM solution, how they can select IAM software. We will provide top IAM software available in the market:

  1. Okta
  2. CyberArk
  3. JumpCloud Open Directory
  4. OneLogin
  5. CyberRes NetIQ
  6. Ping Identity
  7. ManageEngine AD Manager Plus
  8. IBM Security Verify
  9. Microsoft Azure AD
  10. Oracle Identity Cloud Service
  11. tenfold
  12. Thales SafeNet Trusted Access
  13. BeyondTrust
  14. Twingate

What is an IAM Tool?​

Employees must have access to the apps, files, and data of their company no matter where they are working. Traditionally, the bulk of employees would be located on-site, where firm assets would be protected by a firewall. Employees could access the resources they needed once they were on-site and logged in.

But, hybrid work is now more prevalent than ever, and whether workers are working locally or remotely, they require safe access to business resources. Identity and access management (IAM) can help with this. The organization's IT department requires a mechanism to manage user access so that private information and functions are only accessible to those who need to utilize them.

IAM grants certified organizations secure access to corporate resources, like emails, databases, data, and applications, ideally with the barest amount of interference. The aim is to control access so that legitimate workers may do their duties and unauthorized individuals, such as hackers, are prevented from doing so.

Beyond workers using business computers, security access is required. Contractors, suppliers, business associates, and individuals using personal devices are included. IAM ensures that everyone who needs access has the appropriate degree of access at the appropriate time on the appropriate computer. IAM is an essential component of contemporary IT because of this and the function it plays in an organization's cybersecurity.

The company can swiftly and precisely confirm a person's identity and that they have the required rights to utilize the requested resource during each access attempt thanks to an IAM system.

Why Do You Need IAM Software?​

IAM is a crucial component of cybersecurity since it aids an organization's IT staff in striking the correct balance between making crucial data and resources inaccessible to most users while yet allowing select users access. IAM enables the setting of restrictions that provide secure access to personnel and equipment while making it difficult or impossible for unauthorized individuals to pass through.

The fact that hackers are always improving their techniques is another factor in the importance of IAM. One of the most frequent causes of hacking and data breaches is sophisticated assaults like phishing emails, which target those with access already. It's challenging to control who and what gets access to a system within a company without IAM. Since it's hard to detect who has access and because it's challenging to remove access from a compromised user, breaches and assaults can spread quickly.

Although there is no perfect defense, IAM solutions are a great method to avoid and lessen the effects of assaults. Several IAM systems are AI-enabled and capable of identifying and blocking intrusions before they become major issues, rather than limiting everyone's access in the event of a breach.

How to Select an IAM Solution?​

Here are the top 10 critical inquiries you should have while assessing IAM solutions:

  • Could it be scaled?: Your current and future demands should be able to be satisfied by the IAM solution. You may better meet the demands of a growing workforce, take on new problems, and keep up with evolving regulatory standards with the aid of a scalable solution that will continue to get future patches, updates, and new releases.
  • What is the price of an IAM system?: Cost is always an important factor, but it is much more so for the IAM system because it may have a complicated price structure. The cost of the IAM system typically consists of three elements: the price of the software, the cost of implementation, and the cost of maintenance. Although it is common for a vendor to provide a number of price options, the per-user licensing charge is the most popular.
  • What effect will it have on the user experience?: You cannot sacrifice user experience in order to protect your data assets. The entire reason for installing the IAM system may be negatively impacted by complicated password regulations or insufficient authentication rules. The goal should be to create a smooth experience without sacrificing the system's security.
  • Is multi-factor authentication supported?: IAM systems employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) to increase security, particularly for crucial transactions and use cases. This includes using fingerprints, smartphone push notifications, and face recognition. A flexible strategy that can be adjusted for various users or groups aids in enhancing security.
  • How do you manage your risks?: What transpires if a security issue occurs? Effective risk management and mitigation should be ensured by security measures. In the case of a security problem, the vendor should be prepared to answer inquiries regarding their plan.
  • How is web-based Single Sign-On (SSO) enabled by your IAM solution?: SSO is becoming more and more popular since it eliminates the need to memorize several login and password combinations. Cloud and on-premises apps are both used by businesses, and the SSO system should easily accommodate both types of applications.
  • Does the solution allow access from mobile devices?: The IAM solution must support a variety of operating systems, including iOS and Android among others, whether it is Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or remote working.
  • Cloud-based versus on-premises solutions?: On-premise and cloud-based choices both have advantages and disadvantages. Large businesses choose the on-premise option since it provides more control than cloud-based alternatives. A cloud-based solution, on the other hand, is simpler to set up and extend as the workforce expands. When compared to an on-premise solution, it offers better cost economics. The third choice is the hybrid one, which combines on-premises and cloud-based technology. Although the less sensitive data is stored in a cloud-based solution, the more sensitive and crucial data is kept on-premise.
  • Is password-free authentication supported by the IAM solution?: The majority of us frequently use the same passwords across several personal and professional accounts, which lessens our efficiency. A password is no longer necessary thanks to the multi-layered strategy used by many IAM systems nowadays. Biometric checks can offer more security than conventional username-password or two-factor authentication when paired with additional factors, such as device, location, IP address, or behavior indication. The user no longer needs to keep track of their login and password, which is more crucial.
  • What is your history of carrying out IAM projects?: Speak with a few customers before choosing the solution to confirm the vendor's credentials and learn more about the solution provider's deployment strategy and procedure. It is a sign of a reputable solution provider if the vendor has completed multiple IAM projects. On the other hand, if the business has only carried out a few deployments, you might want to rigorously assess the solution before giving it to them. The requirement to support users' identities and devices, a more mobile workforce, the increased usage of cloud-based apps, and other factors all contribute to the implementation of IAM systems. Selecting the appropriate vendor will guarantee that your staff has access to company data without jeopardizing the assets or exposing the data to malicious parties. Making it simple for customers and employees to engage with you online includes making it simple to log in, change passwords, receive tailored digital material, and preserve security and privacy. This is what it means to "get identity right". The two-factor authentication methods that were formerly considered the industry standard for access are losing favor with organizations. IAM has become a major concern in the midst of the current crisis because of its immediate impact on business. When implemented properly, IAM may increase the likelihood of successful business results; when implemented incorrectly, it can stifle innovation.

What are the Top IAM Solutions?​

We've compiled a list of the top identity and access management tools so you can control your users' digital identities and make sure everyone has access to the tools they require to do their jobs.

Okta​

Okta has been a fierce contender among the leading suppliers of business IAM solutions since acquiring Auth0 in 2021. Both the identity platform for developers (Auth0) and the platform for the workforce (Okta Identity Cloud) are offered by Okta as SaaS offerings. An enterprise's entire IT infrastructure, whether it is located on-premises or in a private, public, or hybrid cloud, can be secured and managed with the aid of the cloud-based IAM solution Okta Identity Cloud.

With SSO, MFA, password management, passwordless security, analytics, and strong data security, Okta Identity Cloud, built on the tenets of Zero Trust, prevents SQL injections, cross-site scripting, and request forgery. With the help of its vast API library, several well-known programs, such as Zoom, Slack, and Salesforce, may be integrated. IGA management tools are available in the Okta Identity Cloud.

Pros of Okta are as follows:

  • Highly competitive and have a good reputation for dependability and availability

  • Simple to use and intuitive

  • Easy integration with a variety of apps and secure back-end support for APIs

  • Comprehensive workflow and developer tools, as well as a rich feature set.

Cons of Okta are listed below:

  • Needs software to be running on every server it controls and only allows access through the CLI, which deters non-engineers

  • Audit records solely include SSH

  • Small enterprises find it less accessible due to above-average costs

  • Choosing between two cloud IAM systems might be difficult.

CyberArk​

Workforce access and identity management are combined in the SaaS-delivered CyberArk Identity Security Platform, formerly known as Idaptive. Access management is made simple with CyberArk Identity, which automates onboarding and offboarding and offers identity governance and administration, lifecycle management, and identity orchestration (IGA).

For cloud, mobile, and legacy apps, CyberArk's SSO leverages browser extensions to identify credentials and provide a seamless user experience. Machine learning is used by multi-factor authentication (MFA) to profile behavior and spot irregularities. Almost 150 integrations are supported via a large API library. CyberArk delivers unified auditing to ease compliance, streamlines operations through a single gateway and enables continuous threat detection and defense.

Pros of CyberArk are listed below:

  • Protects endpoints as well, ensuring that only authorized devices may connect to a network

  • Provides a recording capability for high-risk sessions that conducts process isolation and reauthentication

  • Includes developer tools for customer identity access management (CIAM)

  • One of the first suppliers for identification and access management

Cons of CyberArk are given below:

  • The user interface is challenging to use

  • Comparing CyberArk's price to that of other identity and access management firms

  • Low-quality development tools and complicated deployment

  • No support for granular consent management or progressive profiling

  • Demanding API programming standards

JumpCloud Open Directory​

JumpCloud gives you single sign-on access, which makes it simple and secure to access resources. It is suitable for Windows, Linux networks and infrastructure, on-premises and cloud apps, and macOS. Moreover, it offers analyses and statistics that track user activities. The security team can then see access attempts that potentially point to a compromised identity. Moreover, it provides remote management, which enables the security team to resolve problems using the user's identity.

Advantages of JumpCloud are as follows:

  • The range of MDM encompasses all operating systems.

  • For simple management, use a single, centralized platform.

  • Simple platform UI navigation.

  • Use Windows servers to run scripts.

  • Excellent user management, continuous upgrades, and a good support team.

Cons of JumpCloud are are given below:

  • JumpCloud reporting requires an API.

  • Applications should not always be patched since OS SSO pre-configured parameters are not always accurate.

  • Does not support changing a domain's name.

  • Authenticator is a distinct software that must be downloaded, and it is not always simple to authenticate.

OneLogin​

OneLogin offers a specialized identity and access management solution for both employees and clients. OneLogin is a part of One Identity, which is owned by Quest Software. Developers that wish to include IAM features in their own apps may get assistance from OneLogin.

OneLogin provides an uncommon choice for putting an application on an endpoint computer's desktop. This desktop program allows a fully regulated environment for all associated apps and users without the need for additional passwords when it is launched with the login password.

Features of OneLogin are listed below:

  • Single-click access to SaaS and on-premises applications for a consistent user experience on any device

  • With a single Interface, control access for all of your apps from a single platform.

  • Provides single sign-on, federation, and integration with OneLogin Authentication using a smart factor

  • Uses adaptive authentication for dynamic, multi-factor authentication to strike a balance between usability and security (MFA)

  • Users in various directories, such as Workday, Active Directory, G Suite, LDAP, etc., are synchronized via an advanced directory.

  • Can automate HR data governance and streamline employee onboarding and offboarding

  • There are ways to synchronize and secure remote access using local Windows servers and workstations.

  • There is a choice for a OneLogin desktop environment where all apps' credentials are obtained through the device login.

  • A sandbox option is available from OneLogin to test setups.

Pros of OneLogin are given below:

  • 6,000 or more integrations

  • Social media logins may be integrated with customer IAM.

  • Alerts and notices of unwanted login attempts that are effective

  • Integrates with platforms used by organizations in the education sector for student information systems (SIS)

Cons of OneLogin are as follows:

  • There may be several logins for the same app across each role after adding users to different roles.

  • The cost of several a-la-carte alternatives might mount quickly.

CyberRes NetIQ​

A collection of NetIQ products for identity and access management are offered by CyberRes by Micro Focus. With other security and privacy technologies in the collection, it offers an integrated platform for managing identities, access, and privileges thanks to its adaptive identity-centric approach.

Features of CyberRes NetIQ are listed below:

  • In order to customize the user authentication process, the NetIQ Risk Service receives contextual and behavioral risk metrics.

  • When necessary, tune session authorization levels to safeguard sensitive resources.

  • Gives privileged user activity insight and control in order to generate actionable security intelligence to counter emerging threats.

  • Enables the administration and enforcement of configuration policies across crucial on-premises and cloud systems running Unix, Linux, Windows, Azure, O365, and non-domain connected services

  • To avoid security holes, modify, test, evaluate, and compare modifications before applying environmental changes.

  • Automate and simplify access certification, provisioning, requests for access, identity lifecycle management, and compliance reporting

  • Restoration based on policies to automatically protect or lock down areas

  • The architecture of the organization is installed (local data centers or private cloud)

Pros of CyberRes NetIQ are given below:

  • Requests and permissions for self-service access may be easily managed centrally.

  • Constant monitoring for high-risk changes

  • Local installations provide the organization with complete control.

Cons of CyberRes NetIQ are as follows:

  • The infrastructure and resources of the company determine performance and uptime.

  • Costs more in terms of infrastructure, maintenance, and support compared to hosted alternatives.

Ping Identity​

Another pioneer in the IAM space is Ping Identity. Indeed, it is the best option for a company that wants to increase the security of its cloud-based assets without sacrificing the user experience for its consumers. Access to on-premises and hybrid systems is controlled by it. You can authenticate any device with Ping Identity, whether it's a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. The ideal IAM tool is one that can be integrated with Active Directory, Azure AD, Oracle, CA Technologies, and IBM, among other IAM solutions.

Pros of Ping Identity are as follows:

  • Supports the enforcement of authentication, MFA, and SSO

  • Applicable to settings that are on-premises, in the cloud, or both

  • In the event that Instant Notification fails, there is an option to write code manually

  • Option for multi-device login

  • Cross-platform software

Cons of Ping Identity are given below:

  • Only focuses on businesses at the Enterprise level. A smaller network should not use it.

  • The Internet is needed for notifications. When the network is congested, this can be a problem.

  • Not all workflows and hooks are supported.

  • There should be more on-premises functionality like PingID.

ManageEngine AD Manager Plus​

A solution called ManageEngine ADManager Plus may act as a front end for many Active Directory instances. These AD solutions can encompass a variety of services, including your network permissions system, Microsoft 365, and NTFS storage.

ManageEngine ADManager Plus is a utility. This on-premises technology offers an alternative user interface for Active Directory management. Regardless of whether they are linked or controlled individually, the system can manage and coordinate many DCs.

You can generate uniform user credentials across environments and maintain control over who has access to what by consolidating all of your AD systems into a single console. This requirement is especially helpful for companies that must demonstrate compliance with data privacy requirements.

You can assure consistency in IAM across environments and resources by centralizing the administration of Active Directory inside your organization, and ADManager Plus comes with instructions to assist in the development of a useful access management strategy.

Features of ManageEngine ADManager Plus are listed below:

  • Cooperation among domain controllers

  • Mass account operations

  • Enforcement of password policies

  • Cleaning up accounts

Pros of ManageEngine ADManager Plus are as follows:

  • Uses a single terminal to serve as a communication hub for several AD solutions.

  • Manages Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Exchange, Skype, file servers, and

  • Enforces password policies and automatically detects outdated accounts

Cons of ManageEngine ADManager Plus is that no cloud version hosted by ManageEngine.

IBM Security Verify​

Identity and access management solutions are offered by IBM Security Verify as a part of a larger portfolio of security products. The governance and privileged access management technology subcategories are included in IBM's IAM portfolio (PAM).

IBM created Security Verify to run in the background and be undetectable to users. This strategy minimizes user interruption while improving security and IAM.

Features of IBM Security Verify are as follows:

  • Verifies user identities covertly at login and during the session

  • Utilizes AI to find outliers and risky entitlement combinations

  • Access to resources and applications is made possible, whether they are in the cloud, on-premises, or in a hybrid cloud.

  • Separation of roles, on- and off-boarding and access certificates are all centrally managed and automated. discovery of violations

  • Offers risk-based multifactor authentication and single sign-on

  • Admins may safely give entitlements and access privileges.

  • User access and activity reporting, auditing, and provision

  • Provides access request and password reset self-service options.

Pros of IBM Security Verify are listed below:

  • On-premises and cloud-based options are both available.

  • Reporting on security and governance is prioritized heavily

  • Role-based IAM is deeply integrated with the IBM ecosystem

  • May connect to local services and apps, including virtual private networks (VPN)

  • Detects and keeps track of high-access account passwords

Cons of IBM Security Verify are given below:

  • Ideal for high-volume business clients

  • Small enterprises won't require a lot of features or tools.

  • Not well recognized for having many app connections

  • SaaS solutions demand substantially less IT work than on-premises administration.

  • Consumers bemoan the interface's poor performance on mobile devices.

Microsoft Azure AD​

You can secure your data and applications in both cloud and hybrid settings with Microsoft Azure Identity Management. They have a variety of identity management systems to locate just what your company needs. You may organize and categorize data to make it simple to provide access depending on user responsibilities. You are aware of who is accessing each file since it monitors activity on shared data and programs.

Pros of Microsoft Azure Identity Management are as follows:

  • Data and apps are simply secured, and even restricted access is offered

  • Enables remote access for managing identities

  • Comparable authorization structure and style to other Microsoft applications

  • Thousands of user accounts may be managed using it

  • Synchronize with on-premise AD installations and other Microsoft programs

  • Enables the control of users centrally

Cons of Microsoft Azure Identity Management are given below:

  • It requires specialized administration and upkeep, which SMBs cannot provide.

  • Difficulty, particularly for people who are not accustomed to the "Microsoft method" of doing things

  • Interoperability isn't as seamless with Mac OS as it is with Windows clients.

Oracle Identity Cloud Service​

The Identity Cloud Service from Oracle is an IAM solution that offers limitless cloud services to meet the demands of enterprises, including data storage, networking, application testing, etc. You may have greater, central control over users' access to their own digital assets, PaaS, and SaaS with the use of IDCS.

Pros of Oracle Identity Cloud Service are as follows:

  • It readily manages a lot of traffic.

  • Simplicity in maintenance and implementation.

  • User provisioning and reconciliation are both easy.

  • Minimal latency between the directories during LDAP-based synchronization with Microsoft Active Directory.

  • Access management can be automated, it's a highly comprehensive solution, and it's simple to use.

Cons of Oracle Identity Cloud Service are listed below:

  • Customizing is challenging, but adding new features is simple.

  • Customization is required to access a number of features.

  • It might be challenging to comprehend the event flow.

  • For small enterprises, purchasing a license is rather costly.

Tenfold​

Identity and access management company Tenfold Security has a strong emphasis on manageable, user-friendly security. Their IAM platform is intended to make it easier for mid-market businesses to control user access rights across local systems, cloud services, and outside programs. The tenfold platform assists IT teams in enhancing security and achieving compliance with data protection laws including GDPR, SOX, HIPAA, and ISO 27001. tenfold is presently used by more than 1,000 businesses all around the world to help them manage user lifecycles and access rights.

Users may request access to various network locations anytime they need to, including resources in local systems, cloud environments, and hybrid environments, using a tenfold self-service interface. The appropriate authority receives access requests by email and decides whether to grant or prohibit access. Regular messages are given to these authorities urging them to examine the rights they've granted and confirm or withdraw them, reducing the possibility of network-wide over-privileged users. Tenfold logs all modifications made to access rights and provides powerful reporting capabilities, enabling IT administrators to monitor all current and previous privileges held by each user in order to provide comprehensive visibility into user access and support compliance with data protection requirements. Tenfold provides reports on access modifications made from within the system itself (rather than from within the Tenfold platform), enabling administrators to spot discrepancies between different sets of user permission information.

The Microsoft 365 suite, SAP ERP, and HCL Notes are just a few of the prominent corporate tools and apps that tenfold offer a variety of out-of-the-box connections. The platform's REST-based Generic Connector and API makes it possible for businesses to effortlessly combine it with their own unique in-house applications. This makes tenfold simple to set up and gives companies the ability to guarantee safe user access over their entire network. For mid-sized businesses wishing to more effectively manage and protect user access to corporate resources, especially those looking to offer self-service access requests, we strongly advise tenfold as an IAM solution.

Thales SafeNet Trusted Access​

Thales, a pioneer in high technology across the world, offers customers equipment, services, and solutions that help them strengthen their defenses while putting people at the heart of decision-making. SafeNet Trusted Access, an innovative access management solution from Thales, is now available on the market. It is a cloud-based solution with an integrated platform that seamlessly combines SSO, risk-based policies, and universal authentication techniques without significantly affecting user convenience or usability.

The solution simplifies user access to cloud services, eliminates password headaches for users and IT professionals, and delivers simplified authentication and access control. A wide range of multi-factor and contemporary authentication capabilities, simple cloud access via Smart Single Sign-On, SaaS delivery efficiencies, flexible scenario-based access policies, fine-grained access policies for maximum security, and secure access for contractors and partners are all significant features of this solution. They provide a single pane view of access events for the whole app estate, giving clear insight and guaranteeing that the appropriate people have access to the appropriate apps at the appropriate times. As the solution provides insight into all access events and can be swiftly deployed as a cloud service, compliance is made simple.

Businesses and organizations have the freedom and capability to protect a wide range of user groups that may require a variety of authentication methods to access all apps thanks to Thales' SafeNet Trusted Access. The system has received high marks for its reliable authentication, usability, and simple deployment. We would advise enterprises to adopt SafeNet Trusted Access, especially if they need strong contemporary authentication capabilities to meet the needs of various users.

BeyondTrust​

For granting and denying user access to vital systems and keeping track of behavior across a variety of platforms and devices, including Linux, Windows, Mac, UNIX, and other mobile and cloud apps, BeyondTrust provides a suite of identity and access management solutions. By doing away with the necessity for a VPN, BeyondTrust brings the advantages of privileged access management (PAM) to network and cloud contexts.

This software package offers endpoint security, centralized secret management, safe privileged account credential storage and auditing, as well as remote device monitoring, access, and administration from anywhere.

The identity and access management system from BeyondTrust features analytics to aid in investigations, a video log for analyzing user activity, and easy integration with third-party directories like LDAP.

Pros of BeyondTrust are as follows:

  • Supports the protocols SSH and RDP

  • Supports least privileged access for servers running Unix, Linux, Windows, and Mac

  • Supports AD, LDAPS, RADIUS, and Kerberos authentication

  • REST APIs and CLI tools are included to speed up development processes and enable smooth API integration.

  • Since 1985, the endpoint security business has existed.

Cons of BeyondTrust are listed below:

  • There is no safe method to control access to internal web apps, Kubernetes clusters, and databases.

  • Complicated initial setup and further license fees

  • Compared to other IAM providers, high licensing prices

Twingate​

For businesses looking to avoid the security and performance issues related to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Twingate provides a cloud-based IAM solution. Twingate offers a secure remote access solution based on Zero Trust principles that take the place of conventional VPNs.

Unlike VPNs, Twingate approaches traffic segregation in a straightforward manner. It offers thorough audit logging, detects and prevents unusual access patterns, and it adds an extra layer of protection. Twingate is excellent for controlling access for suppliers, and subcontractors, and in settings used for development and staging.

Pros of Twingate are listed below:

  • Delivers access to a zero-trust network

  • Easily integrates with SSO providers

  • Helps IT teams handle change more easily

  • Has real-time connection logs available

  • Swift implementation is possible

Cons of Twingate are given below:

  • Not appropriate for controlling access to internal web apps, switches, routers, cloud CLIs, or Kubernetes clusters

  • Tiered pricing options might be confusing.

  • Only the Enterprise tier has access to the detailed auditing feature.