What is Identity Management?
Identity Management (IdM) is a general term and encompasses technologies including password management (synchronisation and self reset), user provisioning and access management. Enables and maintains user access to network resources. This includes the creation of the user entity (functionality typically found in a human resource applications), authorization and permissions (SSO and password management functionality), and a single point of administration for de/provisioning accounts (as in provisioning).
Identity management encompasses all the processes used to create and manage information system user accounts. In the information system world, the creation of private networks, where users had to identify themselves with a user name and password occurred first. Only as systems expanded and the field of computer science grew into the Internet in the early 1990’s, did the role of the public or general user develop. As a result of this expansion, identity management has evolved from a centrally controlled user ID process managed by a “gatekeeper” into a system of user driven self service. Users are now responsible for password resetting and management, downloading a central function of system maintenance away from the technical staff and placing this role in the hands of the user community. To address this shift in process, complex workflows surrounding the management of user access, approvals and account management has been developed. With the huge expansion in the use of information sys
Identity management is the process of defining a user (a ‘principal’) and managing their attributes. In addition to username and credentials (e.g. password), attributes might include phone number, address, etc. Identity management also includes assigning users to relevant groups and roles, so that users can access appropriate applications and resources. Another important part of identity management is managing the entire user lifecycle, for example, disabling the user account when someone leaves the organisation.
