Yeswanth A, Author at Akku

IAM Using SSO and Federated Identity Management

Have you ever wondered how large organizations let employees access multiple applications securely without juggling dozens of passwords? The answer lies in Identity and Access Management (IAM), a critical framework that ensures the right people have the right access at the right time. Two of the most common solutions in IAM are Single Sign-On (SSO) and Federated Identity Management. While both aim to simplify access and strengthen security, they serve different purposes and operate in distinct ways.

In this article, we’ll explore the roles of SSO and federated identity in modern enterprises, highlight their benefits, and explain why SSO is often the go-to choice for organizations looking to improve security and user experience.

Role of Single Sign-On (SSO) in Identity and Access Management

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a solution that allows users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple applications within a single organization. In today’s enterprise environments, employees often need access to dozens of apps, both cloud-based and on-premise. Without SSO, they must remember multiple credentials, which increases the risk of weak passwords, forgotten credentials, and security breaches.

In IAM, SSO plays a critical role in both security and productivity:

Centralized Authentication

SSO consolidates all authentication points into a single identity provider (IdP). IT teams can enforce consistent security policies across every application in the organization, including password rules, multi-factor authentication, and access levels.
Improved User Experience

Users log in once and gain access to all authorized applications. This eliminates the frustration of multiple logins, improves productivity, and reduces IT helpdesk requests related to password resets.
Real-Time Monitoring and Audit

IT teams can track user activity across all applications, detect anomalies, and respond to potential threats quickly, strengthening overall security.
Support for Hybrid Environments

Whether employees are using cloud apps, on-premise applications, or a mix of both, SSO ensures seamless access without compromising security.

A practical example of SSO in action is Google Workspace. With one Gmail login, employees can access Drive, Calendar, Sites, and other applications without logging in again. By centralizing authentication, SSO reduces password fatigue, improves security, and streamlines identity and access management.

What is Federated Identity Management?

Federated Identity Management, also known as Federated SSO, extends the concept of SSO across organizational boundaries. Essentially, it allows users from one organization to securely access applications in another organization without creating separate credentials.

To understand federated identity, think of it as a trust framework between multiple identity providers. Each organization agrees to certain standards and protocols to share authentication and authorization information securely.

Key points about federated identity include:

Cross-Organization Access

Federated identity allows employees or partners from one organization to access resources in another organization without separate login credentials.
Standardized Protocols

Trust relationships between identity providers are built using protocols such as SAML, OAuth 2, OpenID, and WS-Federation.
Multiple Federation Models

Federation can involve multiple applications within a single organization, applications across multiple organizations, or multiple IdPs trusting a central IdP.
Security Through Trust

Digital signatures, encryption, and PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) ensure that authentication data is secure and verifiable.

If you’re asking what is the function of a federated identity, it is to securely share user authentication and authorization across networks while giving users seamless access to multiple services. This is especially valuable for enterprises collaborating with partners, suppliers, or other organizations.

Key Benefits of SSO and Why It’s Better Than Federated Identity Management

Both Single Sign-On (SSO) and Federated Identity Management are important tools within identity and access management (IAM), but SSO often provides more practical and immediate benefits for most enterprises. Here’s a closer look at why SSO stands out:

1. Simplified Deployment and Management

Implementing SSO within a single organization is much simpler than setting up federated identity systems, which require cross-organization agreements and trust frameworks. With SSO, IT teams can deploy authentication controls quickly across all applications used within the enterprise, without worrying about external dependencies. This makes onboarding new employees and applications faster and more efficient.

2. Enhanced Security

Centralized authentication is one of the biggest advantages of SSO. By consolidating login processes through a single identity provider (IdP), organizations can enforce consistent security policies such as strong password requirements, multi-factor authentication, and device compliance checks. This reduces the likelihood of weak passwords, password reuse, and other vulnerabilities. Federated identity, while secure across organizations, introduces more complexity, which can create potential gaps if not managed carefully.

3. Improved User Experience

Employees no longer need to remember dozens of credentials for different applications. With SSO, logging in once grants access to all authorized applications, improving workflow efficiency and reducing frustration. A smooth and intuitive login experience also encourages better adherence to security practices, as users are less likely to circumvent security measures to save time.

4. Reduced IT Overhead

SSO significantly decreases helpdesk tickets related to password resets or account lockouts, saving IT teams both time and resources. With federated identity, IT teams must also manage trust relationships, agreements, and integrations across multiple organizations, which adds complexity and administrative effort.

5. Scalability for Enterprise Growth

As organizations expand and adopt new applications, SSO makes it easy to scale authentication without compromising security or user convenience. Adding a new application typically involves connecting it to the existing IdP, rather than creating new accounts for every employee. Federated identity, in contrast, requires additional setup for every external organization involved.

6. Centralized Monitoring and Compliance

SSO allows IT teams to monitor user activity in real time across all connected applications. Audit trails, login histories, and access reports are all consolidated, making it easier to demonstrate compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO 27001. Federated identity can also provide monitoring, but tracking cross-organizational access often requires more complex reporting and coordination.

7. Faster Incident Response

In the event of a security incident, SSO enables IT administrators to quickly revoke access to all connected applications from a single dashboard. This centralized control is crucial for limiting damage and maintaining security. Federated identity systems require coordination between multiple organizations, which can slow down response times.

In short, while federated identity management is essential for inter-organizational collaboration, SSO offers enterprises a more streamlined, secure, and user-friendly approach to identity and access management. It simplifies operations, enhances security, and improves the overall employee experience, making it the preferred solution for internal enterprise environments.

Conclusion: The Future of IAM with SSO

With cloud applications, hybrid work, and remote teams becoming the norm, managing who can access what has never been more important. Identity and Access Management (IAM) is at the heart of keeping enterprise systems secure, and Single Sign-On (SSO) has proven to be one of the most effective ways to simplify access while maintaining strong security. By letting users log in once to access all their authorized applications, SSO reduces password fatigue, limits security risks, and saves time for both employees and IT teams.

Federated Identity Management still plays a key role when organizations need to collaborate across networks, but it comes with added complexity. For most enterprises looking to streamline operations and maintain control, SSO offers a more practical, reliable, and secure solution. Centralized authentication allows IT teams to enforce policies consistently, monitor access in real time, and respond quickly if something goes wrong.

Investing in a strong SSO solution today means preparing your organization for the future. It makes scaling easier, supports compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, and ensures employees can access the tools they need without friction.

Ultimately, organizations that implement SSO can focus on growth, innovation, and productivity, knowing their systems are secure and their teams have seamless access to the applications they rely on every day.

Ready to Simplify Access and Strengthen Security? Talk to us now!

PAM Explained: What Is Privileged Access Management and How Does It Work?

In cybersecurity, not all users should have the same level of access. Some accounts can make major changes, access sensitive data, or even bring down entire systems. These accounts, called privileged accounts, need tighter control.

That’s exactly what Privileged Access Management (PAM) is for. PAM helps you protect, manage, and monitor access to accounts that hold more power than regular user logins. Whether you’re a financial institution, a hospital, or an enterprise managing cloud environments, PAM in cybersecurity plays a critical role in reducing risk and staying compliant.

In this guide, we’ll cover the definition of PAM, how it works, what technologies are involved, and the top applications of PAM across industries.

What Is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?

So, what is privileged access management in cybersecurity?

At its core, PAM is a cybersecurity solution designed to control and track access to privileged accounts. These include administrator logins, root accounts, domain controllers, service accounts, and any other credentials that allow broad or sensitive access.

The full form of PAM is Privileged Access Management, and its purpose is simple: to reduce the risk that comes from having too much power in too many hands. By managing these accounts through policies, workflows, and automation, PAM helps you apply the principle of least privilege, giving users access only to what they absolutely need, for as long as they need it.

Think of PAM as a lockbox for your organization’s most sensitive systems. But instead of just locking things down, it also watches who goes in, what they do, and makes sure keys are rotated and never misused.

Why Is PAM Important in Cybersecurity?

Privileged accounts are a favorite target for attackers. Once inside, they can move laterally across systems, create backdoors, and steal sensitive data, often without being noticed.

PAM is critical because it:

Reduces attack surface by limiting access to high-risk accounts
Protects against insider threats, whether intentional or accidental
Helps with compliance for regulations like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, SOX, and NIST
Improves visibility and accountability, making it easier to investigate and respond to incidents

It also strengthens your organization’s Zero Trust strategy. In a Zero Trust model, every request must be verified, and standing access is eliminated. PAM fits perfectly into this by enabling just-in-time access, continuous monitoring, and real-time policy enforcement.

Key Components of PAM Technology

A solid PAM solution includes multiple layers of technology. Here’s what goes into modern privileged access management technology:

1. Credential Vaulting

All privileged account credentials are stored in a secure, encrypted vault. This eliminates the need for admins to know or share passwords. Instead, the system handles credential injection and login, without exposing passwords to the user.

2. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC ensures users only get access based on their role in the organization. This reduces the chance of privilege creep, where users accumulate access over time that they no longer need.

3. Just-in-Time Access (JIT)

Instead of having long-term admin access, users can request temporary privileges for specific tasks. Once the session ends, access is automatically revoked, reducing the window of risk.

4. Session Recording and Monitoring

All privileged sessions can be monitored in real time and recorded for later review. You can see exactly what commands were run, what files were accessed, and how long the session lasted.

5. Automatic Credential Rotation

PAM tools can rotate passwords automatically after each use, reducing the chances of password reuse, theft, or sharing.

6. Reporting and Audit Trails

Every privileged action is logged. That means better accountability, faster incident response, and easier audits.

Together, these components define what makes PAM technology effective and scalable.

How Does a PAM Solution Work?

To fully understand how a PAM solution works, let’s walk through a typical workflow from start to finish:

Step 1 – Credential Vaulting and Storage

Privileged passwords and keys are stored in a centralized, encrypted vault. Only the PAM system has access to them, and users never see or handle these credentials directly.

Step 2 – Access Request and Approval Workflow

A user submits a request for access through the PAM portal. The request might need approval from a manager, based on role, time of day, or risk level. Approvals can be manual or automated, depending on policy.

Step 3 – Just-in-Time (JIT) Privileged Access

Once approved, access is granted for a limited time. This reduces the risk of lingering privileges and ensures access is purpose-driven.

Step 4 – Session Monitoring and Recording

While the user is working, their session can be watched in real time or recorded silently in the background. This creates an exact trail of what happened during access.

Step 5 – Automatic Logout and Credential Rotation

After the session, the user is automatically logged out. The system rotates the password immediately, preventing reentry and enforcing credential hygiene.

Step 6 – Reporting and Audit Trails

All actions and access events are logged. These logs can be sent to a SIEM, reviewed during audits, or used for internal investigations.

Applications of PAM Across Industries

PAM in Finance

The financial industry deals with highly sensitive data, from transaction records to credit histories. PAM helps financial institutions:

Prevent fraud by limiting admin access
Meet regulatory standards like PCI-DSS and SOX
Maintain accountability with audit trails

PAM in Healthcare

Hospitals and healthcare systems handle enormous volumes of patient data and personal information. PAM helps protect:

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
Access to lab and imaging systems
Medical IoT device configurations
Compliance with HIPAA and HITECH

PAM in Enterprise IT

For large IT organizations and service providers, PAM is vital to:

Protect cloud environments and DevOps pipelines
Secure internal systems and infrastructure
Control third-party vendor access
Monitor internal admin activity at scale

No matter the industry, applications of PAM are always centered around one idea: keeping sensitive access under control.

Move Forward with Privileged Access Management the Right Way with Akku

Privileged Access Management, or PAM, is one of the most effective ways to protect your organization from internal and external threats. Whether you’re dealing with regulatory audits, managing third-party access, or securing admin credentials across cloud and on-prem systems, having a proper PAM solution in place makes all the difference.

If you’re still asking what PAM is in cybersecurity, here’s the answer: it’s a way to keep your most powerful accounts under control, track every privileged action, and stop attackers from getting too far if they breach your perimeter.

At Akku, we help you implement privileged access management technology that fits your infrastructure and goals. Whether you’re building out your first PAM system, replacing a legacy tool, or expanding coverage to include third-party vendors and DevOps teams, we make the process smoother.

Looking for a trusted way to roll out PAM privileged access management in your business? Talk to us at Akku, and let’s secure what matters most.

MFA vs 2FA: Understanding the Difference and Choosing the Right Authentication Method

In a world where cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent, securing digital identities has never been more critical. Most people understand that passwords alone aren’t enough anymore. But when it comes to strengthening access security, terms like MFA and 2FA are often used interchangeably, sometimes causing confusion.

So, what exactly do these terms mean? How do they differ? And most importantly, how do you decide which one is right for your business or organization? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Multi-Factor Authentication and Two-Factor Authentication, helping you choose the best security approach for your needs.

What MFA Means and Why It Matters?

So, what is MFA? Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security process that requires users to verify their identity through two or more independent factors before gaining access to a system. This layered approach enhances protection by making it much harder for unauthorized users to break in.

While passwords can be guessed or stolen, multi-factor authentication security adds extra layers like biometric scans, tokens, or mobile notifications, significantly reducing risk. Understanding MFA means recognizing it as an essential part of modern cybersecurity.

How MFA Differs from Two-Factor Authentication?

Often, people confuse MFA with two-factor authentication, but they aren’t exactly the same. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a subset of MFA, requiring only two authentication factors, typically a password plus one other method. Multi-factor vs two-factor authentication means MFA can include three or more factors, offering a broader, more flexible security approach.

The Role of MFA Cybersecurity in Today’s Cybersecurity Landscape

With cyberattacks growing in scale and sophistication, the role of MFA cybersecurity cannot be overstated. It acts as a strong gatekeeper, protecting sensitive data from breaches. As attackers become cleverer, relying solely on passwords or even basic 2FA isn’t enough. Organizations need the robust protection that multi-layer authentication provides to stay ahead.

What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Understanding 2FA Meaning and Its Purpose

To grasp what 2FA is, we need to look at its core function. 2FA requires users to provide two different types of credentials before access is granted. Usually, this means something you know (like a password) plus something you have (like a smartphone).

How 2FA Works?

In practice, 2FA often means entering your password and then confirming your identity through a code sent via SMS or generated by an authenticator app. This second layer of verification helps prevent unauthorized access, especially when passwords are compromised.

Common 2FA Methods: SMS, Authenticator Apps, and Hardware Keys

The most familiar 2FA methods include text message codes, authenticator apps like Google Authenticator, and hardware keys like YubiKey. Each has strengths and weaknesses, but they collectively enhance basic login security.

Comparing MFA and 2FA: Which One is Right for You?

Key Differences Between 2FA and MFA

The difference between 2FA and MFA is primarily about scale and flexibility. While 2FA limits you to two verification steps, MFA allows for multiple layers, tailored to your organization’s needs. This extra flexibility can be vital for enterprises handling sensitive or regulated data.

Why Multi-Layer Authentication Offers Stronger Security?

Multi-layer authentication ensures that even if one factor is compromised, the remaining layers still protect your system. This layered defense strategy is harder for hackers to bypass, making multi-factor authentication security a more resilient option.

Which is More Secure: MFA vs Two-Factor Authentication?

While both MFA and two-factor authentication enhance security, MFA is generally more robust because it provides more complex and adaptable layers of protection. That said, 2FA still serves as a strong baseline, particularly for small businesses or applications with lower sensitivity.

Why Choose MFA Over 2FA?

Choosing between multi-factor vs two-factor authentication depends on your security needs. If your organization requires higher security standards due to compliance, sensitive data, or remote work environments, upgrading to MFA is highly recommended.

Why is MFA Security Essential for Enterprise Security?

How MFA Enhances Login Protection

Implementing MFA security adds a powerful shield against unauthorized access. Login attempts undergo multiple verifications, dramatically reducing the chances of breaches.

Reducing the Risk of Credential Theft

With multi-factor authentication security, even if a password leaks, the attacker still needs additional factors to proceed. This layered approach effectively lowers the risk of credential theft.

Flexible Authentication Options: Biometrics, Tokens, and More

MFA lets you choose from diverse authentication factors, such as biometrics (fingerprints, face recognition), hardware tokens, or one-time passwords (OTPs), making it adaptable to different user preferences and security requirements.

Defining Multi-Factor Authentication for Compliance and Control

MFA in Cybersecurity Standards (ISO, GDPR, etc.)

Many regulations, including ISO and GDPR, now require the use of multi-factor authentication as part of their cybersecurity standards, pushing organizations toward stronger authentication methods.

Why Enterprises Need Multi-Factor Authentication for Compliance and Control?

For enterprises, multi-factor authentication security isn’t just about protection; it’s about compliance, control, and avoiding hefty penalties. Strong authentication ensures data integrity and regulatory alignment.

Securing Remote Work with Multi-Factor Authentication Security

With remote work becoming the norm, securing access points via MFA cybersecurity is critical. MFA provides a reliable way to verify users regardless of location, enhancing security for remote teams.

Akku MFA: Your Enterprise Solution for Stronger Security

How Does Akku Provide Advanced Multi-Layer Authentication Access Control?

Akku MFA offers a modular and flexible platform designed for advanced cybersecurity, enabling businesses to implement multi-layer authentication seamlessly. With options ranging from biometrics to blockchain QR codes, Akku puts you in control.

Moving Beyond Basic 2FA with Akku’s Customizable MFA Security

To upgrade from 2FA to MFA using Akku means gaining customizable security that fits your unique business needs, without unnecessary complexity or cost.

Implement Multi-Layer Authentication with Akku: Simplified Security for Your Business

If you want to secure your business with Akku’s MFA solution, you can expect a user-friendly platform that strengthens protection while simplifying access management. Implement multi-layer authentication with Akku and take your cybersecurity to the next level.

Ready to strengthen your security? Get started now with Akku MFA and protect your business with advanced, reliable authentication.

3 Challenges of hybrid work, and how identity & access management solves them

Even as an increasing percentage of the workforce works remotely, cyberattacks on organizations continue to surge. 73% of executives viewing remote workers as a heightened security risk. A 2024 report revealed a 104% increase in attempted cyberattacks over the previous year, highlighting the critical need for strong cybersecurity measures.

While the increased adoption of remote and hybrid work models has reshaped the workplace, the bottomline is that it also poses security challenges. Therefore ensuring secure collaboration – whether on-site or remote – requires solutions that protect data, authenticate access and mitigate risks in various environments.

That’s where Identity & Access Management (IAM) comes in with its toolkit designed to safeguard your workspace – whether it’s at the office or remote.

Security Challenges of Hybrid Operations

1. Increased attack surface

With employees accessing resources from various networks and devices, the risk of unauthorised access grows, expanding the attack surface.

2. Access control and data security

Hybrid setups require strict control over access to sensitive data to prevent breaches and regulatory issues.

3. Device and network security

The mix of personal and corporate devices on different networks raises the risk of malware and cyber threats.

Key IAM features for Secure Collaboration

1. Single Sign-On (SSO)

SSO streamlines access to multiple applications with a single, secure login and reduces the need to manage multiple passwords. Akku’s Single Sign-On feature offers one-click access across applications, a single dashboard for quick provisioning, permissions management, and easy revocation of access across all applications.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA strengthens security by requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password. However, implementing MFA can be complex and costly, especially when multiple applications from different providers need a unified platform. Akku offers MFA functionality that’s quick and cost-effective to deploy, with authentication factors including biometrics, SMS, and push notifications.

3. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC restricts access to specific data and applications based on an employee’s role. This approach limits data exposure to only those who need it, safeguarding sensitive information and preventing accidental leaks or security breaches.

What does IAM ensure?

1. Real-time monitoring and auditing

IAM systems offer real-time visibility into user activities, allowing IT teams to monitor logins, device usage, and detect potential security incidents as they occur. Regular auditing ensures that user access aligns with each person’s current role, preventing privilege creep and enhancing accountability within the organization. In other words, real time monitoring and auditing ensure better decision-making, operational efficiency, breach detection and prevention, and customer satisfaction.

2. Data protection in multi-cloud and hybrid environments

A recent study reported a 75% rise in cloud incidents last year, which explains why IAM is highlighted as a key cloud security trend for 2025, with zero-trust architecture adoption projected to reach 60%, along with advanced access control measures to secure critical systems. IAMs secure collaboration across various cloud services by enforcing consistent access control policies across environments.

3. Improved compliance and data privacy

Compliance with data privacy regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA is essential for organizations handling sensitive information. By employing IAM, organizations can ensure they maintain the highest standards of data privacy and regulatory compliance.

The hybrid work model brings new security challenges, but your organization can stay not just a step but leaps and bounds ahead of every threat simply by adopting an IAM solution. Protect your data, improve your productivity with Akku. Talk to us today to find out more.

The future of safe hybrid collaboration with Akku

In case you’re still wondering how important it is to focus on security during remote operations and collaboration, there are 10.5 trillion reasons to sit up and take note. According to the 2023 World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report, the cost of cybercrime is projected to hit an annual $10.5 trillion by 2025.

A single data leak can have catastrophic consequences for a business, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. As of February, the global average data breach cost was 4.88 million U.S. dollars.

As organizations transition to cloud-based collaboration, this opens the door to risks of remote ops that didn’t really exist before or were far easier to manage in an office-based working context.

Additionally, misconfigured security settings and improper assignment of access rights, which can result in “privilege creep”, or employees gaining more access rights than necessary. This is a major risk factor since insiders are responsible for 20% of data breaches, often due to such excessive access.

Here are three ways to address these challenges related to security during collaboration.

1. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

This ensures team members only have access to the information necessary for their specific tasks. RBAC needs to be reviewed regularly and updated.

2. Regularly audit collaboration tools

This helps identify potential security gaps, misconfigurations, and outdated permissions.

3. Utilize secure collaboration platforms

Invest in collaboration tools that prioritize security features, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and robust compliance measures. Akku offers secure collaboration solutions tailored to meet your organization’s needs.

Akku has a suite of features designed to secure team collaboration in hybrid work environments.

Here are some of the ways Akku enables secure collaboration.

Granular access control

Akku ensures secure application and data access for hybrid teams, even beyond office firewalls. It allows administrators to enforce strict control over user access by utilizing IP-based, device-based, location-based, and time-based restrictions. Administrators can whitelist or blacklist specific IP addresses, ensuring access only from authorized locations. Also, device-based restrictions tie access to registered devices, while location- and time-based controls further limit access to designated areas and specific time frames.

Centralized policy management

As teams and projects evolve, so do access needs. Akku’s User Lifecycle Manager provides centralized control over access policies. Integrated with Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication (AMFA), the platform provides real-time adjustments to security policies, enhancing overall control and ensuring secure access across various environments.

Compliance and auditing

Akku’s detailed audit trails and activity logs help organizations track every interaction within their collaboration tools. This ensures compliance with industry regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

For one of its clients, Akku helped ensure HIPAA compliance by securing access to sensitive medical data through its internal office networks, minimizing the risk of data breaches. By implementing a unified identity and access management solution, Akku provided visibility into user access, addressing the challenge of shared computers and reducing the manual effort involved in password management. This streamlined solution enhanced data security, improved compliance with HIPAA regulations, and protected the privacy of sensitive medical information for their 8,000+ distributed workforce.

500+ Pre-Built App Connectors

Akku integrates with over 500 cloud-based collaboration platforms, including Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 allowing businesses to enjoy collaboration across their favorite tools without sacrificing ease of use.

Securing hybrid collaboration is no longer optional—it’s essential. Businesses need tools to protect sensitive data, ensure compliance, and streamline collaboration across cloud-based platforms. If you’re looking to safeguard your team’s collaboration, explore how Akku’s IAM solutions can help you.

Boost security, streamline operations: Here’s how IAM can help your ITeS/BPO business

In the ITeS and BPO industry, striking the right balance between productivity and security can mean the difference between success and failure. Security breaches can have serious financial and reputational consequences, but at the same time an excessive tilt to security at the cost of efficiency can hurt competitiveness.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the key challenges that most ITeS and BPO businesses face, which find solutions in identity an access management.

High employee turnover

The BPO industry is known for its high employee turnover (some reports peg it as high as 40%). This means a continuous cycle of provisioning, de-provisioning, and updating access for constantly changing staff – a logistical nightmare for your IT admin team, and a high risk for unauthorized access.

Remote work

The pandemic may be behind us, but remote work remains 3-4x as prevalent as it was in 2019. Ensuring secure access is a major challenge this presents because the office firewall just doesn’t cut it anymore. At the same time, applying excessive restrictions across the board often stifles productivity.

Data sensitivity

At most ITeS and BPO companies, there are significant volumes of sensitive client data to be managed. Unauthorized access to this data is a major can result in major erosion of client trust and loss of business.

Complex access needs

Employees often need access to multiple systems and applications, each with different access requirements. Improper manual management of these access rights can lead to errors and security gaps.

Here’s how IAM solves each of these problems.

Automated provisioning and deprovisioning

Advanced IAM systems such as Akku help you automate the process of provisioning, de-provisioning, and updation of user access permissions. When employees join or leave, their access rights are automatically updated, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and ensuring compliance.

This means significant amounts of time saved when new employees join your organization or change roles, with the required access permissions assigned with a single click. And when an employee leaves the company, your administrators no longer need to delete the user from each of your applications separately. With one-click deprovisioning, you save time and ensure no access permissions are accidentally left active which could leave the door open to security risks.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

SSO allows employees to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials. This improves their user experience and efficiency, and also enhances security by reducing the number of credentials that your users need to manage, which could potentially become compromised.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security on top of your password. This is even more important in remote or hybrid operations where you have no way of verifying that the person logging in with a set of credentials is actually a genuine user. MFA goes a long way toward securing your organization’s sensitive data from fraudulent login attempts with stolen user credentials.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

A comprehensive IAM solution like Akku enables you to enforce role-based access control, ensuring that employees only have access to the information necessary for their roles. RBAC allows you to control what end-users can access by assigning them to roles such as administrator, team lead, executive, or business analyst, for example. Permissions can then be aligned with these roles ensuring job functions can be performed without providing excessive or universal access which opens up security risks.

Secure remote access

When it comes to remote operations, ensuring secure access practices is vital to protect sensitive data and applications. An IAM solution like Akku addresses this in multiple ways.

For example, you can set up an IP-based access restriction to allow access to certain sensitive data only from the office to prevent misuse and ensure security. All other functions can be performed remotely to promote productivity and convenience.

Or access to certain resources can be limited to only whitelisted devices using device-based restriction.

Each user can be limited to access resources relevant to them only during their defined work shift and access can be prevented at other times through time-based restrictions.

And access can even be disabled from other countries to prevent malicious activity originating outside your area of operations through location-based restriction.

Partnering with a service provider such as Akku, which has tailored IAM solutions for the BPO and ITeS industry can help you protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations besides enabling streamlined operations and collaboration across departments. Contact Akku today to learn more!

Here’s why your apps built with no-code platforms need an external IAM

Have you heard of no-code application builders? They are ideal for minor applications without heavy technological requirements. These no-code apps can be taken to market much faster, are cheaper to develop and can deliver a great experience in many cases.

However, while they are easy to build and use, securing apps made with a no-code app builder requires an external IAM.

Access management for internal applications

Consider a desktop-based application such as MS Access, which is used for combining, processing and editing large groups of data from different sources. It’s largely being replaced by web-based equivalents. This kind of small internal application has a clear function, and is therefore easy to build using a no-code development tool.

Internal applications such as data management tools, onboarding tools and other HR applications are often considered lower priority as they are purely internal in use. Therefore, low-budget no-code app builder tools are used in these cases.

However, these applications process a great deal of valuable internal data, and it’s important to take their security seriously and guard access to them. That’s why it’s important to implement a strong IAM tool for all your internal-facing applications.

The risk of web-based applications

With web-based apps, whether or not it’s developed with a no-code tool, you have the freedom to deploy the application on cloud servers on flexible pricing models, and access them from anywhere. Since such apps are hosted on the cloud, it can be risky to access them directly without a VPN.

Tiny no-code app builders don’t invest the necessary time and effort into security and privacy, which is why it’s difficult to set up good protection for such apps. Additionally, the user working on a no-code app builder typically doesn’t have the necessary time and knowledge to do so.

Syncing your IAM

While some well-known no-code app builders offer plugins to integrate with external IAM through SAML and OAuth2, others do not. In cases where such plugins exist, you can use any external IAM system.

When the plugins do not exist, however, and especially in cases where you would rather reduce the coding footprint of your project, consider an IAM product like Akku. Since Akku is a customizable solution, you can use it as a gateway for any major or minor internal or external application, even when the app being used does not support SAML, OAuth2 or OIDC.

Your minor internal applications often contain or process the most valuable data at your organization. Protect them with an external IAM that’s easy to set up, integrates with any setup, and restricts access to these key internal corporate resources. Protect them with Akku, the customizable IAM.

Flexible Identity: IAM solutions need to bend… a little at least!

In the world of Identity and Access Management (IAM), flexibility is the key to stability. While IAMs are not new, the threats that they are helping to protect against and the environment in which they are operating are constantly evolving. Adaptability is more critical than ever.

Negotiating this ever-transforming environment, enterprises need both flexibility and fit in terms of their identity and access management strategy. This means finding an ideal IAM solution that adapts and grows with your business, customers, workforce, tools, processes, and market trends. Your IAM needs to balance user-friendliness and security, or users tend to get frustrated and search for workarounds that can open up security vulnerabilities.

Rushing into a decision about your IAM without a fully-formed strategy can result in a solution that is so rigid it doesn’t solve your problems! An inflexible IAM that does not support your identity and access management needs, can negatively impact user experience and decrease productivity. Technology should enhance security goals, not compromise them. Opt for a flexible IAM solution.

What do we mean by flexibility? It is the ability to use the IAM in the way that you want, without being constrained by its own features.

Flexibility in authentication methods

A flexible IAM offers a wide range of strong and centralized authentication mechanisms that cover cloud and mobile assets, permitting you to set password policies with multiple multifactor authentication (MFA) options. Modern MFA solutions provide users with multiple options depending on the circumstances (for instance, a hard OTP token may be used when working offline). This ensures that while security is the priority, productivity is not compromised.

Flexibility in integration

Your identity provider (IdP) must integrate with your IAM. Identity providers, such as Azure AD, are third-party service providers that store and manage digital identities. Choose the IAM that integrates seamlessly with your IdP, and which integrates with and provides access to a large list of cloud, on-prem, SaaS, licensed, and custom apps. This gives you the flexibility to use any IdP and app, based on the merits, without being tied down by your IAM.

Flexibility in access management

A flexible IAM allows you to define proper access privileges and set custom device restriction rules, in order to balance security with usability. A central directory, for instance, can help to manage access rights by automatically matching employee job titles to locations and relevant privilege levels. Further, a flexible IAM system can be used to establish groups with privileges for specific roles thereby uniformly and securely assigning access rights. By making it easy to define access privileges, your IAM becomes more flexible and user-friendly.

Customization

With IAM solutions, one size does not fit all. Look for a solution that allows you to customize everything from number of users to MFA options to report customization and content restriction. The more you customize the IAM to suit your needs, the better the digital experience your company can provide to its workforce – and the greater the impact on the business and the bottom-line.

Akku is a cloud-based powerful identity and access management solution that is designed with SME/MMEs in mind and their ever-changing needs. Contact us today for a consultation.

Identity and Access Management in the age of Bimodal IT

An important new practice that has emerged over the past few years in IT management is Bimodal IT, defined by Gartner as the practice of managing two separate but coherent styles of work: one focused on predictability; the other on exploration.

While the application of the Bimodal concept within an enterprise has been the subject of much discussion, employing these two modes of management in the context of Identity and Access Management has not.

Here’s our take on how the Bimodal concept fits into our scheme of things as an Identity and Access Management solution provider.

Mode 1

By the standard definition of Bimodal IT, the focus of Mode 1 is on ensuring that existing applications and business functions are kept running smoothly. Therefore, Mode 1 clearly prioritizes stability over innovation.

In the context of IAM, businesses are becoming increasingly complex in the digital age, with touchpoints and interactions with increasingly large numbers of people or users, both within and outside the organization.

Managing this change requires IAMs to undertake a gradual evolution towards becoming simpler and more scalable. A good example of this would be the need to build in the ability to automate decision-making for setting access rules and permissions based on dynamically collected information on users, from multiple sources.

This evolutionary approach is important to ensure continued forward movement, embracing new practices and technologies, while continuing to place primary emphasis on seamless operations.

Mode 2

Mode 2 in Bimodal IT, on the other hand, places its focus squarely on innovation. In Mode 2, the priority is to undertake larger, but less certain, leaps forward, to enable the existence of entirely new business processes and approaches.

To look at the Identity and Access Management universe, in Mode 2, the mandate would be to build the next, future-ready new IAM platform. This could involve the development of an all-new, simpler and more scalable architecture from scratch, or incorporating increased agility to adapt to a fast evolving environment, for example.

Mode 2 involves planning and building for scenarios and use-cases that go beyond what conventional thinking can conceive of, to drive the next big change. But with this focus on innovation comes a need to accept some risk as well.

Akku is an enterprise IAM solution, and our journey to get here has involved adopting different facets of Bimodal IT. This process has helped us build a platform that delivers solutions to a range of use-cases that few others can match, and to do it reliably and seamlessly. Talk to us today to see how Akku could enable identity and access management, and more, at your organization.