Cyber security has emerged as a breakout search on Google Trends worldwide as companies gear up for cyber threats (think: security breaches and access violations) by extending their IGA practices. But before you scramble to purchase Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and non-customised solutions to plug the gaps, you need to understand what you really need. While having proper cybersecurity infrastructures is critical, resorting to ready-made solutions can often pose more of a problem than a solution.
The environmental network of every company might appear same same but different. Utilising COTS products that aim to cater to multiple organisations through a one-size fit all prototype can result in incompatibility. If we think of a company's IGA integration process as a jigsaw puzzle, using COTS products is akin to fixing a puzzle piece with another that has its edges torn out – it just doesn't fit seamlessly. The problem with using solutions that aren't tailored to your company's environment is the inability of the system to integrate itself completely due to the lack of compatibility and fine-grained authorisation.
Having a customised solution reduces the time needed to toggle between multiple repositories and the threat of compliance violation. Employees can then maximize their bandwidths and focus on more important tasks instead of spending time to deal with them manually. In so doing, the long-term benefits for the company are the ROI that is reaped over time by saving costs and time on dealing with the nitty-gritty.
So, what are the differentiating factors to look out for when selecting an identity repository? Here are three key factors to check for:
1. Needs Analysis Before any system can integrate itself into your current network, it requires a thorough assessment of your existing software infrastructure to decide if prebuilt connectors can be used or more specific customisation is required.
2. Customisation and Enhancements
After the initial environment analysis is completed, further steps will be taken to work with your specific needs, unlike COTS. This method exposes the Application Program Interface (API) to interact with the native system to derive a clean and transparent connection. Such customisation is crucial in allowing an integration that fits the nooks and crannies of your legacy system to take shape.
3. Integration and Rollout
Upon integration, all identity lifecycles from employee onboarding, interdepartmental transfers and departures must adhere to audit and compliance standards. A complementary layer must be set above the IGA system to secure internal IT systems seamlessly such that rework on identity classification is not necessary.
4. Aftercare
The last and often most important differentiating factor to look out for when searching for a suitable IGA product will be the sustainability and maintenance administered post-integration. Dedicated aftercare for your internal IT systems and consistent coverage of the weakest link in the security of identities provides an all-rounded multi-layered security, essential to maximise the benefits of a tailor-made IGA software.
Sounds like something your organisation needs? Come talk to us about your IGA needs!
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