The Critical Role of Identity and Access Management in Cybersecurity | IJCT Volume 13 – Issue 3 | IJCT-V13I3P84
International Journal of Computer Techniques
ISSN 2394-2231
Author
SHARAD SHARMA
Abstract
The research investigates Identity and Access Management (IAM) which has served and will continue to serve as the essential foundational base for both legacy and contemporary cybersecurity systems. The research shows that previous security models have lost their effectiveness because modern networks operate without fixed secure boundaries, high adoption of cloud applications utilizing including Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) models and organizations now use hybrid work models utilizing both on-prem applications and utilizing Cloud platforms and cloud applications) while dealing with sophisticated cyber threats and zero day vulnerabilities. The research investigates how IAM developed from its basic Information Technology (IT) management duties into an advanced security system which defends different types of Identities including but not limited to Digital, Silicon (Machine and non-human) and Privileged protection. The main subjects of this paper focus on Zero Trust fundamentals and Privileged Access Management (PAM) operations and cloud identity management difficulties and security versus user experience tradeoffs. The research shows that IAM functions will continue to play a critical business requirement which protects organizations from risks while following regulations and adhering to compliance and supporting their digital transformation journey. The research explores future development paths which unite artificial intelligence systems with decentralized identity management systems.
Keywords
Identity and Access Management (IAM), Cybersecurity, Zero Trust Security, Privileged Access Management (PAM), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Access Control, Digital Identity, Cyber Threats, Authentication, Authorization, Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Security Framework, Segregation of duties (SOD), Bring your own Device (BYOD), Identification, Authentication, Authorization, and Accountability (IAAA).
Conclusion
Out in the real world of digital setups, something called Identity and Access Management now acts like an invisible shield. With more companies shifting workloads into cloud-based systems, this monitoring tool becomes central to Zero Trust setups – always checking who someone is, not just letting them in by default. Instead of making assumptions, it decides whether to allow entry based on shifting danger levels at any moment. Control tightens when access gets split into tiny pieces, rights stay minimal by design, while newer ways to confirm identity – like multiple steps or skipping passwords entirely – get woven right in. What stands out is how it handles high-level risks – by regularly checking who has access, capping those rights over time. It also shrinks exposure points using smart access rules that adjust as needed. Another key point comes from meeting legal standards, thanks to precise logs kept on record activities. These records help meet recurring checks needed under rules like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX . Further privilege access needs to be centralized and access to them should be via approved channels and all privileged actions should be logged for audit purposes.
A fresh approach to identity and access management goes beyond typical tech spending – it quietly shapes how safely an organization moves forward online. When smart permission systems, machine-learning powered threat spotting, and automated rule-following are woven into daily operations, risk drops while speed stays intact.
So, companies should focus on security built around individual identities. Think of IAM not just as a tool but as the core barrier against modern threats. Today’s networks are scattered, often running in clouds – this reality demands new thinking. When done right, risk drops quietly, legal obligations get easier to meet. A space where trust grows tends to last longer than one built on guesswork.
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How to Cite This Paper
SHARAD SHARMA (2026). The Critical Role of Identity and Access Management in Cybersecurity. International Journal of Computer Techniques, 13(3). ISSN: 2394-2231.
