IBM Cloud Identity Overview
IBM Cloud Identity is a comprehensive Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution designed to provide enterprises with seamless, secure, and efficient access control to both cloud and on-premises applications. This Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS) offering is tailored to meet the needs of IT departments, end users, and line-of-business (LoB) managers, ensuring enhanced security, improved user productivity, and streamlined management.
Key Features
Single Sign-On (SSO) Solution
IBM Cloud Identity offers an optimized SSO experience, allowing users to access multiple applications using a single set of login credentials. This feature connects to both cloud and on-premises apps, supports standard protocols like SAML and OIDC, and allows for customizable login pages and workflows.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
The solution includes robust MFA capabilities to increase security and reduce the risk of data breaches. It supports various authentication methods, including mobile push notifications, flexible risk-based authentication, and integrates with existing infrastructures. MFA policies can be customized using AI-informed access policies based on behavioral biometrics, device fingerprint, and geolocation.
User Provisioning and Lifecycle Management
IBM Cloud Identity streamlines user access with automated provisioning and deprovisioning features. It ensures users have the right access at every stage of their lifecycle, enhancing security and compliance. This includes automated account creation and termination, role-based access control systems, and detailed audit and reporting capabilities.
Application Self-Service
The platform enables users to manage their application access independently through intuitive self-service capabilities. This feature includes user-friendly access request and approval processes, a real-time application dashboard, and support for numerous applications and services. This reduces the workload on IT teams and empowers users to manage their own access.
AI-Based Adaptive Access
IBM Cloud Identity continuously assesses user risk levels using various indicators such as malware detection and user behavior. Based on this assessment, it either allows fast access to applications or demands further authentication, ensuring a balance between security and user experience.
Delegation of Access Management
The solution allows IT to delegate application access management to LoB managers, enabling them to control user onboarding, off-boarding, and self-service access requests for both on-premise and cloud applications. This streamlines access control and reduces IT dependencies.
Integration and Compatibility
IBM Cloud Identity integrates seamlessly with other IBM solutions, such as IBM Security Access Manager and IBM MaaS360, extending SSO to enterprise apps covered by enterprise mobility management solutions. It also supports connections to thousands of popular cloud applications, making it a versatile tool for hybrid environments.
Additional Capabilities
- Customizable Authentication Policies: Administrators can configure different levels of ID-based MFA for individual users or the entire account, allowing for a phased rollout of MFA and exemptions for specific users if necessary.
- Enhanced Security Defaults: New accounts are secured by default with settings that disable Command Line Interface logins using username and password, and require device-dependent MFA for new devices or browsers.
- Comprehensive Auditing and Reporting: The solution provides detailed audit and reporting capabilities to monitor security events, identify potential threats, and automate compliance reporting.
In summary, IBM Cloud Identity is a robust IAM solution that enhances security, simplifies access management, and improves user productivity by providing a unified platform for managing identities across cloud and on-premises environments.