In our publications, we often describe ways to integrate and customize the Keycloak system to meet the unique needs of enterprises. But what if a company is just considering implementing an IAM system? In this blog, we will provide guidance on what to consider when choosing a tool and what to pay special attention to.
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a process that involves controlling the digital profiles of employees, clients, and business partners. With IAM systems, it is possible to effectively monitor who has access to the company’s resources and under what conditions. These systems also enable compliance with the latest legal regulations, including the international NIS 2 directive. We have described the challenges and benefits of integrating Keycloak, as well as practical implementation tips for NIS 2 compliance, here.
Elements to Consider When Choosing an IAM System
The choice of the right identity management tool depends on the company’s needs and the complexity of its IT structure. When reviewing IAM solution providers, it is important to pay attention to the following features:
1. Authentication and Authorization
IAM enables the implementation of various authorization methods, such as single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based access control (RBAC). For instance, Keycloak supports both SSO and MFA, and its robust role and permission structure can be easily tailored to the specific requirements of an organization. We discussed the topic of multi-factor authentication in detail in the article Step-by-Step Guide: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in Keycloak.
2. User and Role Management
An important aspect of IAM is managing user identities throughout their entire lifecycle within the organization. Features such as automated granting and revocation of access, data synchronization between ERP, CRM, HR, and IAM systems, as well as role delegation, allow for effective identity management.
3. Scalability and Performance
As a company grows, an IAM system must be scalable and efficient to support an increasing number of users and applications. Keycloak is well-equipped for large-scale environments, offering clustering and replication options that ensure stable performance and low response times, even under heavy load.
4. Information Security and ISO Compliance
IAM systems help ensure compliance with standards such as ISO 27001, facilitating the simultaneous implementation of access management policies and strong authentication. This topic will be discussed in more detail in the following sections of the article.
5. Implementation Costs and Licensing
When planning an implementation, two main types of costs should be considered: deployment costs and licensing or maintenance fees.
• Commercial Software: Choosing commercial IAM systems such as Okta, Ping Identity, or Microsoft Azure AD involves licensing fees, which are typically calculated per user or as a monthly/annual subscription.
• Open-Source Software: Tools like Keycloak are available for free but require investments in deployment, customization, and maintenance.
6. Training
When selecting an IAM system provider, it is essential to check if they offer training on software administration. Access to knowledge and training materials allows employees to better utilize the potential of the solution.
Analysis of Legal Regulations for Implementing an IAM System
A company operating in international markets should be aware of legal regulations that define the principles of security and access management. These regulations may pertain to specific industries, such as healthcare (HIPAA) or finance (SOX – Sarbanes-Oxley Act) in the United States, or govern guidelines for specific regions. An example of this is GDPR in the European Union.
Through a detailed definition of user roles and permissions, IAM limits access to resources only to those who truly need it, meeting the requirements for access control. Additionally, such systems provide multi-factor authentication (MFA), enhancing security, particularly for high-risk resources.
An IAM system can also support the compliance of company processes with the guidelines of ISO 27701 (Privacy Information Management System), which extends ISO 27001 with requirements for personal data protection. Tools like Keycloak enable monitoring and recording of data access, which helps meet transparency and accountability standards for data processing. Moreover, IAM supports the implementation of privacy policies that protect personal data from unauthorized access and ensure the observance of user rights, such as the right to information or data erasure.
Security Architecture and Compliance with Internal Standards
The IAM system should comply not only with external regulations but also with the internal standards and procedures of the organization. Regulations and policies should clearly outline the rules for role assignment, resource usage, and reporting requirements. Implementing IAM can aid in automating and enforcing these processes, enabling more precise control over who accesses critical resources and when.
Interoperability and Integration with Existing IT Infrastructure
The needs analysis for implementing an IAM system should also include compatibility with the existing IT infrastructure and integration requirements for the applications in use. A company utilizing systems such as CRM, ERP, or web applications should be able to synchronize them with the IAM system to ensure a consistent level of security and identity management throughout the organization.
Implementing an IAM system brings numerous benefits to a business. When choosing from the tools available on the market, it is important to consider the regulations applicable to the specific industry, internal procedures, and existing infrastructure. A significant advantage is the ability to tailor the system to the specific needs of the company, rather than the other way around.
If you want to learn how we implement Keycloak for our clients, contact us.