Definition
Access Management, often referred to as Identity and Access Management (IAM), is a framework of policies and technologies that controls who or what can view, use, or modify resources in an organization's IT environment. It ensures that the right individuals have appropriate access to the necessary data and systems while preventing unauthorized access. IAM systems work by establishing and managing digital identities, authenticating users, and authorizing their access levels based on predefined roles and permissions. This is critical for maintaining security, ensuring compliance, and preventing data breaches. For instance, an IAM system might grant a marketing employee access to customer relationship management software but restrict their access to sensitive financial records. While often confused with simple authentication, IAM encompasses the entire lifecycle of digital identity and access privileges.