Identity governance administration (IGA)

Identity governance administration (IGA) is a comprehensive approach to managing digital identities and access rights across an organization's IT environment, including cloud-based systems. For cloud security engineers, IGA provides essential tools and processes to ensure that the right individuals have the appropriate access to resources at the right times and for the right reasons.

IGA solutions typically encompass identity lifecycle management, access requests and approvals, access certifications, and role-based access control (RBAC). These platforms help organizations automate the provisioning and de-provisioning of user accounts, manage access rights, and conduct regular access reviews to maintain the principle of least privilege.

In cloud environments, IGA plays a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges of managing identities and access across multiple cloud services and hybrid infrastructures. It helps maintain consistency in access policies across diverse cloud platforms, reduces the risk of unauthorized access, and aids in compliance with various regulations that require strict control over data access. Many IGA solutions now offer cloud-specific features, such as integration with cloud identity providers, support for cloud-native applications, and the ability to manage both human and non-human (service account) identities. By implementing a robust IGA program, cloud security engineers can significantly enhance their organization's security posture, streamline access management processes, and ensure ongoing compliance in complex cloud ecosystems.