Identity as a Service (IDaaS) in cloud computing: What is it?

These days, enterprises are welcoming identity access management and Cloud technologies with open arms. With these technologies, businesses have moved beyond traditional methods of access management and shifted most of their components to the Cloud. Identity as a service, or IDaaS, is a Cloud-based authentication service that offers businesses optimal solutions for digital identity management.

What is Identity as a Service (IDaaS)?

Identity as a service, or IDaaS, is an application delivery model (like Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS) that allows users to connect to and use identity management services from the cloud.

Also referred to as cloud-based identity security, the shift to deploying IDaaS began several years ago and was led by companies with a digitally driven IT adoption strategy. Many IDaaS systems leverage the power of cloud computing and adaptive authentication as a way of improving or speeding up these business processes. This level of IAM (Identity Access Management) computing uses online computer power, database storage, and other IT resources.

4 key components of the Identity as a Service solution

These have four major components:

• Single Sign-On (SSO): SSO allows users to log into multiple applications with a single set of credentials. SSO solutions restrict identity theft by reducing password fatigue, streamlining access, and simplifying operations within an organization by centralizing and unifying administrative functions.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA commonly includes adaptive authentication methods options to ratchet up as risk grows based on situational changes, user behavior, or application sensitivity. Adaptive authentication methods are supported by modern Multi-Factor Authentication systems, which employ contextual information (such as location, time of day, IP address, and device kind) and business rules to determine which authentication factors to apply to a specific user in a specific situation.
• Provisioning: User identity can be integrated or “provisioned” across multiple systems and applications within an enterprise using the System for Cross-Domain Identity Management (SCIM). When the user leaves the company, their access is immediately revoked.
• Biometrics: Biometrics, or physical characteristics such as fingerprints and irises, are often deployed as an important part of MFA. Fingerprints are the most common form of biometrics used in this.

Why is IDaaS Growing in Importance?

The goal of IDaaS, as with a traditional identity and access management solution, is to determine that a user is who they claim to be and then grant access to applications once the user has been authorized. However, with current trends of a more mobile workforce and the proliferation of SaaS apps, managing identities is much more complex and costly than it used to be.

Identity as a Service allows an organization to let a specialized third-party vendor manage the operational nuts and bolts of an identity and access management solution, saving administrative overhead for the organization because there is no longer a need to manage infrastructure, provide security, install and upgrade software, back up data, etc. IDaaS offers a scalable IAM solution that accelerates digital transformation while reducing cost and risk.

Benefits of Identity as a Service (IDaaS) for Businesses

A comprehensive IDaaS solution brings a plethora of benefits to the entire business environment. There’s agility, security, and efficiency, to name a few. Some other advantages include:

Freedom to choose

IDaaS allows businesses the freedom to choose the right IT resources that fit them and their customers. When they have the best tool to get their job done, that leads to better agility and increased speed. The outcome? A competitive position in the market.

Increase in productivity

IDaaS offers the liberty to businesses to manage their IT environment from a single platform. There’s less scope for human error too. With a comprehensive identity solution, they can let their customers access multiple web properties with a single set of credentials. This leads to increased productivity and better security.

Stronger security

A modern IDaaS solution secures identities and protects your IT environment. With features like MFA, SSO, and password complexity, businesses can control access and increase security. Needless to say, with identities being the epicenter of every cyberattack, identity security features such as these are instrumental in safeguarding your digital properties.

The future of security is in Identity as a Service

With more and more companies moving to cloud-based environments, the importance of IDaaS cannot be understated. You want your company to remain on top of security issues and offer your clients fast services that protect their privacy. IDaaS is the way to go.

The advanced security that IDaaS provides through biometrics, multifactor authentication, and single sign-on leaves traditional password protection in the dust. IDaaS is necessary for any company that stores its data and applications in the cloud. With convenient integration and no capital expense, IDaaS is the future of digital security.

What should you look for in an IDaaS provider?

• Identity proofing with live biometrics
• High assurance levels in real-time
• Frictionless
• Scalability
• Adaptability

The improved security will keep your company from facing a hack or breach that could ruin your business. Remember that you are the steward of your customers’ data and it will benefit your business to secure and maintain those accounts.

Conclusion

There is a lot of anticipation about Identity as a Service in solving real-world business problems. It is important, and no, you cannot mess it up. Because then, you will be out of business. No wonder, IDaaS has already entered the mainstream and will continue growing from here.