Identification and authentication The process of verifying the identity of a user by requiring them to provide credentials (e.g., passwords or biometrics) is known as authentication. This process is essential for secure access and helps safeguard against unauthorized access attempts.

Authorization and access control This refers to the process of granting or denying access to a resource based on the user’s identity and associated permissions. Access control helps organizations protect their data and systems from unauthorized access.

Audit and compliance IAM systems can be used to audit user activity and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations. Audit logs can provide a detailed record of all user activity, including who accessed which resources and when. This information can be used to monitor suspicious behavior or potential data breaches.

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