Identity and Access Management Solutions | Ricoh USA

IAM is a fitting acronym for “Identity & Access Management”, because it’s all about verifying who you are before being granted access to critical IT systems. It’s a digital “Yes, I am allowed to be here.”

Gartner® defines IAM as “the systems that ensure only the right people and devices can access the right IT resources, at the right times, for the right reasons.” IAM is especially important to government entities, and to financial and healthcare organizations that must adhere to strict privacy rules stemming from Gramm-Leach-Bliley, HIPAA, or Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. In the event of a breach, leak, or cyberattack, IAM provides traceability to the source, aiding in compliance.

In this article, we’ll define IAM and review how it works, as well as some challenges and key terms to know when considering IAM options.