CIAM security is the most important part of your CIAM account, so this article will show you how to get the best available CIAM security.
What is CIAM?
CIAM is a quite simple acronym; it stands for customer identity and access management. Authenticating a user is important for any company, which is why CIAM controls authentication and authorization on a data set instead of doing it individually. This makes CIAM easier to use and more efficient.
What is the difference between CIAM and traditional authentication?
With traditional authentication, every department handles its own security measures. This system works, but it can be massively improved upon by using CIAM instead. The advantages of doing this are outlined in the previous question. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- A lot of money has to be spent on setting up CIAM.
- Using CIAM can require some work to set up depending on the system your company uses, but it’s mostly just a case of groundwork before you can get started with actually implementing CIAM.
Benefits of using CIAM
A lot of companies have been switching from traditional authentication methods to CIAM. The reasons for this are simple:
The most important benefit is that you’ll save a lot of time and resources using CIAM alongside your users, who will be happier with the speed and safety of their information.
Security
If you’re using CIAM for work-related purposes, then getting security through an official route is highly recommended. Many employers have rules in place to prevent unauthorized use of company assets, and unapproved use of CIAM may be considered a violation of company policy.
If you aren’t using CIAM through your employer, then another great way to get CIAM is by being sponsored by a trusted partner or friend with their own CIAM. This is the second most recommended method for getting security in your CIAM account.
If you are using CIAM for personal use, then it is recommended to get security through your friend or partner’s help. This is the most common way that many of us get CIAM access.
Getting CIAM
The first step in getting CIAM is to find a system that can be used. Most companies these days will have some kind of existing system, whether it’s a single authentication server or an entire network of servers and databases. It’s a good idea to consult the experts at this stage because they’ll be able to let you know what the best route is for you.
Once you have decided on a system, it’s time to get your CIAM set up. This means giving out special passwords to users that they’ll enter alongside their normal ones, so don’t worry too much if everything isn’t 100% ready at this point.
When users are trying to access your system, they’ll be asked to enter their password as normal. However, if the two don’t match up, then there’s no way for them to access your system. This is a great new security measure that will hopefully become the norm soon!
Do your research
It’s important to make sure you understand the ins and outs of the CIAM system before buying in. Make sure you can do everything you want with it, and be aware that some systems may not allow certain features like two-factor authentication or single sign-on (SSO).
Be aware of the requirements
When it comes to CIAM, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind before making your decision. Make sure that it can do all the basic things you want first, like allowing users to reset their passwords and access their account information. Also, make sure that it’s compatible with your current infrastructure, so not everyone will have to learn new login steps every time they access a service. In fact, your CIAM system may not allow features like two-factor authentication or SSO.
With CIAM providers, there are many options to choose from. Check out their support page when you have the chance and see if they have any resources available for users before deciding on what to use.
When you finally pick a provider, choose a plan that meets all of your needs from the get-go. It’s also important to monitor the price and whether they offer any discounts or promotions to sweeten the deal.
Conclusion
CIAM systems may seem like overkill for some, but they can help many users if implemented correctly. As always, it’s important to do your research and pick the right platform before committing to a one-year contract.
Having CIAM will ensure your data stays protected and your users get the best experience possible.