Overview
Identity is the new perimeter. In a world of remote work, cloud services, and zero-trust architectures, controlling who has access to what is the most critical security control you can implement. This resource provides detailed procedures for implementing least-privilege access, multi-factor authentication, role-based access control, privileged access management, and full identity lifecycle management. It covers both the technical implementation and the governance processes needed to keep access controls effective over time.
Core IAM Capabilities
- Identity lifecycle management: joiner, mover, leaver processes
- Role-based access control (RBAC) with role mining and certification
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all user populations
- Privileged access management (PAM) with session recording and JIT access
- SSO and identity federation using SAML 2.0 and OIDC
- Automated provisioning and deprovisioning via SCIM
- Access reviews and certification campaigns
- Service account and non-human identity management
Access Control Models
| Model | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| RBAC | Access based on assigned roles and job functions | Organizations with well-defined job roles |
| ABAC | Access based on user attributes, resource attributes, and context | Dynamic environments with complex access rules |
| PBAC | Access based on organizational policies evaluated at runtime | Organizations needing flexible, centralized policy management |
| Zero Trust | Continuous verification with no implicit trust | Modern distributed environments with remote and cloud workloads |
Implementing Least Privilege
Least privilege means giving users only the access they need to do their job, nothing more. Start by inventorying all access permissions across your environment. Identify excessive privileges using access analytics and usage data. Remove standing admin access and replace it with just-in-time (JIT) elevation that expires after a defined period. For service accounts, eliminate shared credentials and implement individual accounts with minimum required permissions. Review all access quarterly and after any role change. Make least privilege the default, not the exception.
MFA Implementation Strategy
Deploy MFA for all users, not just privileged accounts or remote access. Prioritize phishing-resistant methods like FIDO2 security keys and platform authenticators over SMS-based OTP. Roll out MFA in phases: start with administrators and privileged accounts, then extend to all employees, then contractors and partners, and finally customer-facing applications. Provide clear user communication and self-enrollment guides. Track MFA adoption rates and set a deadline for full enforcement. Establish a helpdesk procedure for MFA recovery that does not become a social engineering vector.
Privileged Access Management
- Catalog all privileged accounts including domain admins, root accounts, database admins, and cloud IAM roles
- Vault all privileged credentials in a PAM solution with automated rotation
- Implement just-in-time access with approval workflows and time-bound sessions
- Record and audit all privileged sessions for forensic review
- Eliminate shared admin accounts and implement individual accountability
- Review privileged access monthly and remove stale or unnecessary elevated permissions
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should access reviews be conducted?
Quarterly for standard user access, monthly for privileged access, and immediately upon role change or termination. Automated access certification campaigns can make the process more efficient and consistent.
What is the best MFA method for enterprise deployment?
FIDO2 security keys or platform authenticators (like Windows Hello or Apple Touch ID) are the most phishing-resistant options. Authenticator apps are a good second choice. Avoid SMS-based OTP where possible due to SIM-swapping risks.
How do we manage service account proliferation?
Inventory all service accounts and assign an owner to each one. Implement regular credential rotation, eliminate unused accounts, and monitor for anomalous activity. Consider managed identities in cloud environments to eliminate stored credentials entirely.
What is just-in-time access and why does it matter?
JIT access grants elevated permissions only when needed, for a limited time, and with an approval workflow. It reduces the attack surface by eliminating standing admin access. If an attacker compromises a standard user account, there are no persistent privileges to exploit.
How does zero trust relate to IAM?
Zero trust treats identity as the primary security perimeter. Every access request is verified regardless of network location. IAM provides the foundation by authenticating users, enforcing MFA, evaluating device posture, and making continuous access decisions based on context and risk.
Ready to use this resource?
Download it now or schedule a demo to see how Hunto AI can automate your security workflows.