4.10 Identity Lifecycle Management Explained
Key Concepts
Identity Lifecycle Management (ILM) involves the processes and technologies used to manage the entire lifecycle of user identities within an organization. Key concepts include Identity Creation, Identity Modification, Identity Deactivation, and Identity Reactivation.
Identity Creation
Identity Creation is the process of establishing a new user identity within an organization. This involves collecting necessary information, assigning roles and permissions, and provisioning access to resources.
Example: When a new employee joins a company, the HR department creates a user account in the corporate directory. The account is assigned appropriate roles based on the employee's job title, such as "Manager" or "Employee," and access to relevant systems and applications is provisioned.
Identity Modification
Identity Modification involves updating user identities to reflect changes in roles, permissions, or personal information. This ensures that access rights are always aligned with the user's current responsibilities.
Example: If an employee is promoted from a sales representative to a sales manager, their user account needs to be updated to reflect the new role. This includes modifying permissions to grant access to additional resources, such as sales reports and management tools.
Identity Deactivation
Identity Deactivation is the process of disabling a user's account when they leave the organization or no longer require access to resources. This prevents unauthorized access and ensures compliance with security policies.
Example: When an employee resigns, their user account is deactivated to prevent them from accessing company resources. This includes revoking access to email, file servers, and other critical systems.
Identity Reactivation
Identity Reactivation involves re-enabling a previously deactivated user account, typically for employees who return to the organization or for temporary access needs. This process ensures that the user can resume their activities without creating a new account.
Example: If a former employee is rehired, their previously deactivated account can be reactivated. This allows the employee to resume work with their previous settings and access rights, streamlining the onboarding process.
Conclusion
Identity Lifecycle Management is essential for maintaining secure and efficient access control within an organization. By understanding and implementing processes for Identity Creation, Identity Modification, Identity Deactivation, and Identity Reactivation, organizations can ensure that user identities are accurately managed throughout their lifecycle.