9 Security Best Practices in Identity and Access Management

No matter how much security you implement, enforcing a strong password policy is the first key to security.

2. Strong Password Policy

If your team is utilizing Single Sign-On (SSO) tools, it’s vital that each user’s password is difficult to guess, unique, and strong password. Strong passwords always act as the first line of defense against cyberattacks such as DDOS or brute force. Make sure passwords are frequently updated and not reused.

Once the password is secured, it’s essential to implement Multiple Factor Authentication (MFA) as an added layer of security.

3. Enforce MFA

To protect root & IAM users, we must leverage the advantage MFA brings. It’s always recommended that you use a USB Security Key, dependent on the key’s presence and the owner’s fingerprint scanning. Alternatively, there are authentication tools like Google Authenticator which can fulfill the purpose as well. Until and unless both password and correct key parameters are inserted, users cannot access the services.

A user with all privileges is called a root user, and it must be secured.

4. Protecting the root user

It’s advised by all the cloud providers never to use the root user for day-to-day operations. Root privileges should only be used when there’s no alternate available. We should always avoid generating access keys for root accounts because things can go south pretty quickly in the event they get leaked or if they are left somewhere lurking in the machine and are later discovered by a malicious actor.

When you open your doors for external users, an extra layer of protection should be implemented by using Identity Providers.

5. Identity Providers for users with Temporary Credentials

Human users can also be external users that we are collaborating with and require access to the cloud resources. This can be done using a mobile app, custom application, web browser, or interactive command-line tools. Identity Providers like Active Directory or Google Workspace can be utilized for external/internal human users to provide federated access with temporary credentials. Set up SSO, LDAP for AD, or Federated access to achieve best practices.

In cases where you require long-term credentials, utilize access keys and make sure they are regularly rotated.

6. Regular access key rotations

Regularly rotating long-term credentials help you familiarize yourself with the process. This is useful in cases where you must rotate credentials, such as when an employee leaves your company, their access keys are still active. Information such as the ‘last used’ of access keys gives you better insights.

The best practice for assigning roles & permissions is to ensure that least-privilege permissions are granted to users.

7. Least-privilege permissions

It is crucial to limit excessive permissions to admin to ensure single admins don’t have excessive control. Divide responsibilities among people to avoid over-provisioning access and embrace Privileged Access Management (PAM) best practices. However, the goal is to perform regular audits and make corrections where unnecessary standing permissions are identified.

When we have already protected our users, roles & policies, we need to make sure processes are followed in a clockwork manner. Automating workflows can help us achieve this.

8. Automate workflows

Automation streamlines the workflows, reduces manual errors, and supports governance and compliance needs. It also helps in logging, auditing, and generating reports at regular intervals for compliance requirements.