Identity lifecycle management (ILM) is a set of processes and technologies that enable organizations to manage the entire life cycle of identities, from creation to retirement. Identity lifecycle administration is a critical component of an organization's security and compliance strategy, as it helps ensure that only authenticated users have access to sensitive systems and data.
The ILM process begins with the creation of a user identity. This includes verifying the user's identity, creating an account in the organization's system, and assigning the necessary access rights and privileges to that account. The user's identity is then managed throughout its lifecycle, which includes monitoring for suspicious activity, updating privileges as needed, and revoking access when an employee leaves the organization or an account is no longer needed.
To ensure compliance and security, organizations must also adhere to certain policies and procedures. This includes managing user access rights, setting password requirements and expiration dates, and implementing multi-factor authentication. Organizations must also ensure that the user's identity is kept up to date and that any changes are tracked.
The identity lifecycle management process also involves the enforcement of regulatory requirements, such as those set by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Organizations must ensure that they are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as industry standards.
Identity lifecycle management is an essential part of an organization's security and compliance program. By managing user identities throughout their lifetime, organizations can ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive systems and data.