Identity and access management (IAM) solutions are essential for organizations striving to secure their digital environments and manage user identities effectively. They ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive information and applications.
According to One Identity’s 2022 Identities and Security Survey, 89% of respondents experienced an identity-based attack, and 80% believe that better identity management tools could have prevented many of these incidents.
With identity and access management solutions, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of users relying on weak or default passwords, effectively minimizing the associated risks. They can integrate their IT infrastructure with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO). This will strengthen security, making it harder for attackers to breach accounts.
In addition, many industries have strict data security and privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX). IAM solutions make it easier to meet these standards by providing reliable access logs and controls
This article explores some of the leading IAM solutions available today, evaluating their strengths, core features, and unique benefits for organizations of all sizes.
What is Identity and Access Management?
IAM is a cybersecurity framework that governs how digital identities are created, maintained, and managed within an organization. It includes a set of processes, policies, and technologies designed to ensure that individuals have appropriate access to critical information and resources based on their roles.
The primary functions of IAM include identity lifecycle management, which involves creating and updating user identities, authentication, verifying user identities through credentials, and authorization, and determining the permissions granted to users. These systems typically utilize role-based access control (RBAC), allowing administrators to assign access rights based on job functions, thus minimizing risks associated with excessive privileges.
IAM solutions can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid environments. They help organizations comply with regulatory requirements by enforcing security policies and providing audit trails for user activities. Businesses can protect sensitive data from unauthorized access while enabling legitimate users to perform their tasks by implementing IAM effectively.
Need for Identity and Access Management Solutions
The demand for IAM solutions has grown essential for organizations. Here’s why:
- Enhanced security: IAM solutions significantly bolster an organization’s security posture by ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data and resources. By employing robust authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication and role-based access control, IAM reduces the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Compliance with regulations: Many industries are subject to strict regulatory requirements regarding data privacy and security, including, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). IAM solutions help organizations comply with these regulations by enforcing access controls and maintaining audit trails. They provide detailed logs of user activity, which can be crucial during compliance audits.
- Streamlined access management: IAM automates user provisioning and de-provisioning processes, as well as access requests and approvals. This automation not only saves time for IT teams but also minimizes errors associated with manual processes, allowing organizations to operate more efficiently.
- Improved user experience and productivity: IAM improves user experience through features like Single Sign-On (SSO), which allows users to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials. This not only simplifies the login process but also boosts productivity by reducing the time spent managing multiple passwords. Additionally, IAM facilitates secure remote access, enabling employees to work efficiently from various locations without compromising security.
IAM Solutions Landscape in 2025
We will showcase some of the leading IAM solutions, drawing from ratings and reviews on Gartner Peer Insights. You will discover their key features and capabilities.
#1. SentinelOne Singularity Identity Security
SentinelOne’s Singularity Identity is a robust cybersecurity solution designed to protect identity infrastructures, particularly focusing on Active Directory (AD) and cloud environments. This platform aims to defend against identity-based attacks.
Platform at a Glance
Singularity Identity offers a proactive, intelligent, and real-time defense for your identity infrastructure’s attack surface. Organizations can effectively reduce identity risk across the enterprise by leveraging solutions for both Active Directory and Entra ID. This approach not only enables the detection and response to in-progress attacks but also employs deception tactics against in-network adversaries.
Features:
- Preventative measures against attacks: SentinelOne proactively blocks identity-based threats before they can exploit Active Directory or Entra ID. Also, it identifies and halts attacks at various stages, stopping escalation and minimizing potential damage.
- Identity detection and response: It offers real-time detection and response focused on protecting Active Directory, Entra ID, and other identity assets from various threats. Uses advanced machine learning and behavior-based techniques to detect suspicious activity quickly.
- Identity attack surface reduction: The solution mitigates attack surface by reducing vulnerable points across identity structures, making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access.
- Advanced deception: Utilizes decoys and deceptive tactics to mislead attackers, uncover adversarial strategies, and thwart attacks before they reach valuable assets.
- Integration with existing identity stack: Supports integrations with existing identity management systems (e.g., Okta, Azure AD, Ping) for seamless operation.
Core Problems that SentinelOne Eliminates
- SentinelOne offers in-depth telemetry for thorough investigations
- The tool detects, contains, and resolves potential threats effectively
- It safeguards against the unauthorized exposure of sensitive information
- It also identifies hidden cloud deployments
Testimonials
Here are some of the testimonies from SentinelOne users:
“We use SentinelOne Singularity Identity to end AD credential misuse when working from home. We wanted to make sure that our environment was secure and place any defection-based endpoints on lockdown. The solution ensured that we were able to detect AD attacks and steer attackers away. We also wanted to make sure we were hiding our local data.”
Greg Walia, IT Manager
“We use SentinelOne Singularity Identity as our Extended Detection and Response solution. I engage with it daily since it’s essentially one of my routine tasks. I access the platform to monitor our environment, check for any incidents, and address any related matters. We began utilizing the solution primarily to manage response to detections, mainly for threat detection.”
Tuan Le, Security Analyst
Check Singularity Cloud Security’s ratings and reviews on peer-review platforms such as Gartner Peer Insights and PeerSpot.
#2. Okta IAM (Identity Governance)
Okta is one of the leading providers of IAM solutions, focusing on simplifying user access and enhancing security across various applications and services. The platform is particularly noted for its cloud-based architecture, which allows organizations to manage identities and access efficiently.
Features:
- Single sign-on: It provides users with seamless access to multiple applications using a single set of credentials, improving user experience and reducing password fatigue.
- Multi-factor authentication: Okta improves security by requiring additional verification methods beyond just passwords, such as biometrics or one-time codes.
- Lifecycle management: The tool automates the processes of onboarding, offboarding, and managing user roles and access rights, ensuring that users have appropriate access throughout their employment.
- API access management: It secures APIs through robust authentication and authorization mechanisms, allowing controlled access to backend services.
- Integration capabilities: This solution offers extensive integration options with various applications and services, making it suitable for diverse IT environments, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid setups.
Gеt Okta’s reviews and ratings on Software Advice for more info about its standing as an IAM solution.
#3. Microsoft Entra
Microsoft Entra IAM is designed to address the complexities of modern digital environments. It builds on the capabilities of Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and introduces several advanced features to enhance security, streamline user experiences, and facilitate compliance across various platforms.
Features:
- Privileged identity management (PIM): It manages privileged accounts with just-in-time access, approval workflows, and session monitoring to mitigate risks associated with elevated privileges.
- Identity governance: Provides visibility and control over user identities and permissions through role-based access control (RBAC) and entitlement management. This ensures that the right individuals have appropriate access at all times.
- Unified login: Entra simplifies user authentication by enabling SSO, allowing users to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials.
- Dual-layer security: To bolster security further, Entra supports MFA, requiring additional verification methods such as biometrics or one-time passcodes.
Explore the feedback and ratings on PeerSpot and G2 to get further insights into Microsoft Entra’s capabilities.
#4. Oracle IAM
Oracle helps manage user identities and access controls within an organization. It is part of Oracle’s broader security offerings and provides scalable, secure solutions for identity management, authentication, and authorization across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
Features:
- Oracle identity governance (OIG): It provides complete user lifecycle management and access entitlement controls. Also, It automatically provisions and de-provisions users. Identifies typical access patterns to optimize role-based access control.
- Oracle access management (OAM): This feature focuses on secure access to applications and data through features like single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, or adaptive risk management, where it analyzes user behavior to detect anomalies.
Check out Peerspot reviews to see what users have to say about Oracle IAM.
#5. IBM ISAM
IBM offers a range of Identity and Access Management solutions, primarily through IBM Security Identity and Access Manager (ISAM) and IBM Verify. These solutions are designed to help organizations manage user identities, control access to resources, and comply with security regulations.
Features:
- Authentication: This feature strengthens security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of authentication during login.
- Identity federation: ISAM supports federating identities from external identity providers using protocols like SAML and OAuth, facilitating secure collaboration with partners.
- Single identity access: Users can access multiple applications with a single set of credentials, enhancing user experience and reducing password fatigue.
- Web access management: It has centralized control over user access to web applications and ensures compliance with access policies.
- User self-service: Users can perform tasks like password resets independently, reducing IT support workload
Assess IBM ISAM credibility by looking at the reviews on Gartner Peer Insights and G2.
#6. CyberArk Workforce Identity
CyberArk Workforce Identity (previously Idaptive) is a suite of identity and access management solutions tailored to secure access for the modern workforce. It provides secure, frictionless access to applications, endpoints, and critical infrastructure, with key solutions focused on access management, identity governance, and privileged access management.
Features:
- Automated user provisioning: The solution automates the onboarding and offboarding processes for users, ensuring that access rights are dynamically adjusted as roles change within the organization.
- Identity lifecycle management: This feature simplifies the management of user identities throughout their lifecycle, from initial onboarding to eventual departure, ensuring compliance and reducing administrative overhead.
- Multi-layered verification: It enhances security by requiring multiple forms of verification, which can be tailored based on contextual factors such as user location and device type.
- One-click login: CyberArk’s SSO functionality allows users to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials, reducing password fatigue and improving user experience.
- User behavior analytics: CyberArk employs AI-driven analytics to monitor user behavior, helping to detect and respond to potential security threats in real time.
Evaluatе CyberArk Workforce Identity rеviеws and ratings on TrustRadius and PeerSpot to gеt an informеd opinion about its capabilitiеs.
#7. SailPoint IdentityIQ
SailPoint IdentityIQ is a solution designed for complex enterprises, focusing on identity governance, compliance, and security. It provides a robust framework to manage user identities throughout their lifecycle, ensuring that organizations can effectively govern access to sensitive resources.
Features:
- Lifecycle management: The tool automates user provisioning and de-provisioning as employees join, move, or leave the organization. This helps maintain accurate access controls and reduces security risks.
- Access certifications: It facilitates continuous compliance by automating the review and re-certification of user access rights, ensuring that only authorized users retain access to critical systems.
- Policy management: This software enforces security policies that prevent inappropriate access or actions, enhancing overall compliance and governance within the organization.
- Password management: It offers self-service options for managing passwords across various applications, which reduces operational costs and improves user productivity.
Look at thе ratings and rеviеws of SailPoint IdentityIQ on PееrSpot to learn about its effectiveness as an IAM solution.
How to Choose the Right IAM Solution?
Selecting the right IAM solution is important for securing your organization’s digital assets. Here are four key considerations to guide your selection process:
1. Evaluate your Organization’s Size and User Base
Understanding the scale of your enterprise is fundamental. Consider both your current size and future projections, as a global organization will require a more robust IAM solution compared to a small local business. Additionally, assess your user base, which includes employees, customers, partners, and even non-human entities like applications. This evaluation helps in identifying the complexity and capacity needed for the IAM solution.
2. Define Security Objectives and Resource Needs
Clearly outline what you need to protect, be it specific systems, networks, or all connected resources. This scope will influence the complexity of the IAM solution. Furthermore, consider whether your organization has the necessary financial, human, and technical resources to implement and manage the IAM system effectively. If not, partnering with a managed service provider may be beneficial.
3. Assess Integration Capabilities
Your chosen IAM solution must seamlessly integrate with existing systems and applications within your IT infrastructure. List all the applications and systems in your tech stack. Your IAM solution should seamlessly integrate with key applications (e.g., CRM, ERP, or cloud services like AWS or GCP).
If your team uses multiple applications daily, SSO integration can simplify login experiences and reduce password fatigue. For custom-built applications or specific integrations, ensure the IAM solution offers APIs or software development kits (SDKs) for flexibility.
Conclusion
The article emphasizes the importance of identity and access management solutions in safeguarding digital infrastructures and ensuring secure access for authorized users. It highlights key features of leading IAM solutions, which enhance security, improve user experience, and aid compliance with regulations.
Organizations aiming to enhance their security should adopt an IAM solution tailored to their specific needs. Important steps they need to take include, defining security objectives, and assessing current systems and integration requirements. In addition, you can evaluate features like lifecycle management and access controls to prevent unauthorized access and boost efficiency.
SentinelOne’s Singularity Identity solution provides robust IAM capabilities, including advanced identity detection, response measures, and proactive attack prevention, supported by real-time monitoring and deception techniques. Schedule a demo today to learn more about SentinelOne.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is an IAM solution and what do they do?
An IAM solution manages digital identities and access privileges, ensuring that users have appropriate access to organizational resources like networks and databases. It includes processes for user authentication, authorization, and identity lifecycle management, allowing IT to enforce security policies effectively.
2. What is an example of IAM?
An example of IAM is single sign-on, which allows users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple applications without needing to log in separately for each one. This improves user experience while maintaining security.
3. How does IAM enhance security?
IAM enhances security by enforcing the principle of least privilege, ensuring users only have access necessary for their roles. It also utilizes multi-factor authentication and centralized monitoring to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of data breaches.
4. How to implement an IAM solution for an organization?
To implement an IAM solution, start with an audit of existing identities and access needs. Define roles and permissions, select appropriate IAM tools, and integrate them with existing systems. Continuous monitoring and updating policies are essential for maintaining security.
5. What are the factors to consider when selecting an IAM solution?
Key factors include scalability, deployment options (cloud, on-premises, hybrid), compliance with regulations, ease of integration with existing systems, cost, and the specific security features offered, such as MFA and role-based access control.
6. Is IAM suitable for small businesses?
Yes, IAM is suitable for small businesses as it enhances security and efficiency by managing user access effectively. Many cloud-based IAM solutions are affordable and scalable, making them accessible for smaller organizations.
7. What are the deployment options for IAM solutions?
IAM solutions can be deployed in several ways: on-premises, cloud-based (Identity-as-a-Service), or hybrid models that combine both approaches. Cloud-based solutions are often preferred for their ease of management and scalability.