If you pick 10 security leaders randomly, at least 9 will tell you identity-related threats are a big worry. Identity security is a constant headache because of digital transformation, which expanded the machine and user identities security teams must manage.
For instance, Keyfactor revealed that zero-trust principles increased the volume of machine identities—specifically the use of public key infrastructure (PKI), keys, and certificates—cybersecurity teams managed by 54% in 2021. As a result, the operational burden of managing digital certificates and keys increased by 65% in 2021.
Zero trust drove the use of PKI, keys, & certificates by 54% in 2021. Source: Keyfactor.
The sheer number of identities (users and machines) security teams must monitor leads to siloed identity and access management (IAM) hiccups, as identity data is scattered across multiple applications—each with its login, access rules, and security controls. The distorted approach to IAM causes security gaps, compliance headaches, and operational slowdowns.
Simeio IO, however, removes the inadequate fragmented approach to access management. It provides a centralized identity orchestrator center for real-time data governance and management across different tools, such as Microsoft Entra, SailPoint, CyberArk, and Ping. Besides, Simeio IO removes manual workflows, instead using automated workflows to improve efficiency and reduce human errors.
Siloed IAM vs Centralized IAM: What’s the difference?
Siloed IAMs operate independently. They don’t “talk” to other tools or units in organizations. These individual systems cause the following problems:
- Blind spots: Security gaps emerge when identity data isn’t unified.
- Shadow IT: Unauthorized apps and accounts sneak in undetected, leading to excess access.
- Operational bottlenecks: Teams waste hours hunting for access insights.
- Inconsistent security policies: Distorted IAM systems make policy creation and enforcement uncoordinated across different units in organizations. The unwanted consequence of inconsistent security policies is a lack of security baseline and configuration, as some units may have stringent rules while others may not.
In contrast, centralized IAM solutions provide a centralized platform for identity governance and administration (IGA) and access management. Modern IGA solutions, like Simeio IO, reduce the risk associated with end users while providing seamless integration with on-premise and cloud resources for comprehensive data management.
Compared to siloed IGA and IAM tools, modern platforms shrink the threat landscape by 9-12%, as shown in the survey below:
The efficiency of modern IGA vs legacy IGA. Source: Omada
Centralized IAM platforms ensure every tool, organizational unit, and necessary stakeholder are in sync. The merits of centralized IAM include:
- Simplified access management: It automates access control and management through single sign-on (SSO), eliminating authentication across different platforms and reducing the spread of login credentials. It also provides a unified repository to store identity data, improving data collection and documentation.
- Improved collaboration: Centralized IAM solutions are built to integrate easily with other tools, such as cloud services, mobile devices, and multi-factor authentication. The improved collaboration simplifies data security and enhances user monitoring.
- Consistent user provisioning and de-provisioning: Modern IAM tools integrate with cloud and on-prem directories to create a single identity bank, making it easy to provision or revoke users’ access.
Summarily, this is how siloed IAMs and centralized IAMs compare:
Aspect | Siloed IAMs | Centralized IAMs |
Structure | Independent IAM systems for each department or unit. | Single, integrated IAM system for the entire organization. Examples include Simeio IO |
Collaboration | Creates a fragmented team with poor communication tactics. | Seamless communication and coordination across the organization |
Efficiency | Highly inefficient because of scattered workflows. | Streamlined processes and decision-making |
Security | Increased security risks due to isolated systems | Enhanced security with a unified approach |
Compliance | Challenges in maintaining consistent security policies and compliance | Easier to enforce and monitor compliance with security policies |
Scalability | Difficult to scale and manage as the organization grows | Easier to scale and manage with a centralized system |
Cost | Higher costs due to multiple IAM systems | Lower costs with a single, integrated IAM system |
Siloed IAM vs centralized IAM
How Simeio Strengthens IAM Security Posture Management
Simeio IO is an identity service orchestration platform that provides a user-friendly and centralized center to manage IAM activities. It offers efficient identity security, especially the setup and monitoring of access management (AM), IGA, customer identity and access management (CIAM), and privilege access management (PAM).
The comprehensive solution provides the following benefits:
- Unify Identity Data: It integrates with modern and legacy tools to ensure every identity, access control, and identity decision is visible in one place. Fewer tools, more efficiency.
- Remediate Identity Threats: It detects and remediates identity anomalies and compliance gaps.
- Enhance Compliance: Instantly remove identity-related vulnerabilities in your organizations for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Business Scalability: Team expansion isn’t an issue with us. Our self-service functionality provides a simple interface to onboard and manage the lifecycle of applications and users across multiple IAM tools.
