Identity Management and Access Control

IT managers are very worried about security today.  Whether in charge of a banking network or a university system, data security is of the utmost importance.  In order to protect the data, most computing systems have to have some type of identity management and access control in place.  Identity management and access control contains such information as user passwords, authentications, and web access control. 

Access control applies to computer security, usually as in who can access what information.  Through access control, the ability to permit or deny use of a resource is granted.  This may include digital signatures, encryption, biometric scans, and physical devices.  Both humans and systems can monitor access control to ensure that sensitive data is not be accessed by the wrong person.  Access control can be used to limit the access or modification of certain files.  If the file is listed as (R), someone can read it.  If it is listed as (W), they can add, create, delete, or rename the file.  If it is listed as (X), someone can run the program that the file represents.

Identity management can include many things, including policies, technologies and the actual processes to control the access users have to the computing systems.  This type of process is used to make sure that people who need access to the data can get into the system while those that do not need access to the data are kept out of the system.  Through the use of such identity management and access control as passwords, account profiles, and access restrictions, the system is far safer than with no user authentication in place.

Identity management can also be used for companies that offer online services.  The handling of user information must be protected.  Every day, there are new threats to online servers, so it is a constant battle to keep on top of things to keep your user’s data protected and safe.