Glossary
Identity and access management (IAM)
Also called IAM.
Definition
Identity and access management covers the systems and processes that create identities, authenticate users and services, and control what each one may access.
Why it matters when you’re buying
Identity is now the main security boundary, so IAM decisions affect every application and every audit. Look at single sign-on coverage, phishing-resistant authentication, automated joiner and leaver processes, and support for machine identities.
How it relates to other terms
Passkeys strengthen sign-in, privileged access management guards the most powerful accounts, and ZTNA uses IAM to decide who can reach which application.
Where to go next
- Security: news, companies and community questions
- How to evaluate Security vendors: criteria, questions to ask and red flags
- Identity and access: the latest stories and threads on this topic
Written by Techarda editors · Updated . Think a definition is wrong or missing something? Email engage@techarda.com. All terms.