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like multifactor authentication ( MFA ) can further enhance security by leveraging advanced technology that employees always have with them , like their smartphone .
Here are a few benefits that a strong IAM framework can provide to organizations .
1 . Secure access to all resources : With the workforce largely remote , employees now need access to all resources – data , accounts , services , applications – from any location to do their jobs . SSO is a quick and easy method to allow employees to connect to the resources with a single set of login credentials instantly . Additionally , IT teams can understand who is accessing the resources , with the flexibility to grant additional access to applications or revoke access as needed . 2 . Secure sharing of access : When employees work remotely , virtual collaboration is key to maintaining productivity . Teams need an effective and secure way to share access to accounts and data . Enterprise password management ( EPM ) provides safe storage of shared corporate credentials so that remote team members can access shared accounts from anywhere . 3 . Secure authentication to prevent cyberattacks : Since cyberattacks are on the rise , businesses need to enforce additional login requirements such as MFA to mitigate the risks without disturbing employee workflows . Installing this added layer of authentication significantly increases security in a quick and easy way .
Shaping an IAM strategy for remote work
With the right IAM strategy in place , the shift to remote work can be a seamless transition . However , understanding business needs is critical to determine the perfect IAM mix . While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to IAM , many times the answer is dependent on the business ’ industry .
For example , financial services and media organizations have two very different IAM objectives . Since cybercriminals heavily target financial information , financial service organizations focus on reducing risks .
Given this , many financial organizations deploy an integrated IAM platform to secure access to all the organization ’ s resources , allowing IT to have better insight into who can access information . Whereas the media vertical heavily relies on external consultants to aid with digital , print and television media opportunities , so as a result , securely sharing resources is a top priority for this industry .
Whether healthcare , education or financial services , an IAM solution greatly benefits organizations across industries by providing flexibility , accessibility and empowering productivity among remote employees to support a secure business .
Understanding an organization ’ s core business objectives is a critical starting point for determining how to derive the most value from IAM efforts .
IAM in a post-pandemic world
The days of temporary remote work have long passed and many companies are moving permanently to a more flexible , ‘ work from anywhere ’ environment . In a post-COVID-19 world , a new digital dynamic workforce will emerge with employees working in office , from home and a combination of both .
With individuals operating from various locations , security teams will continue to face increased pressure to provide the same level of security as they typically deliver in the office . C-suite executives will have a greater responsibility to invest in technology and strategies that drive both security and productivity in this new environment .
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WITH INDIVIDUALS OPERATING FROM VARIOUS LOCATIONS , SECURITY TEAMS WILL CONTINUE TO FACE INCREASED PRESSURE TO PROVIDE THE SAME LEVEL OF SECURITY AS THEY TYPICALLY DELIVER IN THE OFFICE .
Although most organizations ( 96 % have had to shift their IAM strategy to support the current remote workforce ) many will need to continue re-evaluating and investing in IAM to foster a secure work environment . As the world continues to shift and change in the wake of the pandemic , it ’ s clear that IAM will play a long-term critical role in securing the growing remote workforce . •
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