Identity and Access Management(IAM)
Policies and technologies that control who can access systems and data and what they can do.
Overview
Identity and Access Management (IAM) encompasses the processes and systems used to identify users, authenticate them, and authorize access to resources. IAM is foundational to federal cybersecurity and is required for FISMA and FedRAMP compliance.
Why It Matters in GovCon
IT contractors building or managing federal systems must implement IAM that meets NIST and agency requirements. Solicitations often specify IAM capabilities such as multifactor authentication, single sign-on, and role-based access control.
Key Details
- Authentication: Verifying user identity (e.g., passwords, MFA, PKI).
- Authorization: Determining what authenticated users can access.
- NIST SP 800-63: Guidelines for digital identity and authentication.
- Zero Trust: Modern frameworks emphasize continuous verification and least privilege.
Related Terms
- FISMA
- FedRAMP
- Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
- Zero Trust
More Security Terms
The government official with the authority to enter into, administer, and terminate contracts on behalf of the U.S. government.
A government employee designated by the contracting officer to monitor contractor performance and serve as the technical point of contact.
Federal law establishing a framework for securing federal information systems and protecting government data.
A government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment and authorization for cloud services.
A sensitivity designation for unclassified information that requires protection from unauthorized disclosure.
Practices and controls that protect information and information systems from unauthorized access or harm.
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