Identity and access management (IAM), the security and business discipline of computer security that focuses on providing the correct individuals the access they need for resources, is far from perfect. Cloud computing is showing exactly where these problems are located.
Below are three areas where the cloud has exposed issues with IAM:
1. IAM skills shortage
When it comes to IT skills, there’s a global shortage of experts. In terms of IAM skills, 27% of organizations don’t have the right skills and 31% don’t even have enough specialists for the IAM skills they do have.
2. Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
While 65% of businesses employ MFA in some way, they typically only use it for a fraction of applications. Cloud computing demands a higher use of MFA, especially when it comes to utilizing biometric technologies.
3. Single sign-on (SSO)
With so many new options for applications due to cloud computing and mobility, there are an overwhelming list of usernames and passwords for users (IT and security operators, too) to monitor and/or memorize.
However, SSO technologies could make this process outdated. The issue is that having an SSO creates that much more in the way of security concerns.