The Future of Access Management
Cyber threats today are no longer stopped by firewalls and antivirus software alone. The digital transformation of enterprises has introduced new challenges: who has access to your data, and with what permissions? A poorly managed access can pose a greater risk than an open port.
In this environment, Identity and Access Management (IAM) is not just technology—it’s a strategic tool that determines how secure and compliant your organization truly is. But is managing digital identifiers enough? No. IDM and IGA together form the defense system without which effective cybersecurity is no longer possible.
What is IAM and Why Is It Essential?
The goal of IAM is simple yet critical: the right people, at the right time, for the right reason, should have access to the right resources.
This is especially important when applying the zero-trust security model, where every access must be verified.
IAM systems help with:
IdM and IGA: Two Pillars Behind IAM
To implement an IAM strategy, two key components are required:
- Identity Management (IdM) – managing the lifecycle of digital identifiers (creation, modification, deletion, provisioning, and deprovisioning).
- Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) – governing and monitoring access, ensuring compliance controls.
Why Is IGA Important?
IGA systems complement IdM functions by ensuring:
- Access reviews and attestation are performed in an auditable way,
- Rule-based access control (e.g., Separation of Duties – SoD) is enforced,
- Compliance reports are generated (e.g., GDPR, SOX, ISO 27001),
- Automated risk assessment within the access structure.
A modern IAM strategy is therefore not IdM or IGA, but IdM + IGA together:
- IdM answers the “How?” (technical execution),
- IGA answers the “Why and Who monitors?” (governance and control).
Pitfalls of Implementing IdM and IGA
Common mistakes during identity system implementation include:
- outdated or incomplete access management policies,
- poorly designed access processes,
- lack of an IAM strategy.
These issues can be addressed at a strategic level before they become technical obstacles.
How KPMG Supports IAM, IdM, and IGA
KPMG Advisory Ltd. offers comprehensive services from IAM strategy design to system integration support:
Goal: align business and technical requirements. A well-designed IAM strategy:
- reduces manual processes,
- supports agile business objectives,
- makes access process efficiency measurable.
After assessing existing access processes, KPMG helps design an operating model aligned with industry best practices.
Includes:
- GAP analysis,
- role structure design,
- review of source and target systems,
- definition of functional requirements.
Goal: a well-structured access product catalog that meets business and regulatory requirements. Includes:
- role design,
- exclusion rules,
- access review rules.
A comprehensive plan detailing the technological and functional requirements of IDM and IGA systems—ideal for tender evaluation or POC validation.
When integrating existing application access management into IDM and IGA systems, KPMG experts:
- map the access structure,
- support data cleansing,
- assist in role design,
- provide technical integration support.
KPMG experts support clients throughout the entire IAM lifecycle: from aligning business and technical needs, through process assessment and improvement, to defining IdM and IGA system requirements and integration. We help design access concepts, optimize access processes, and ensure compliance and security requirements are met—enabling clients to build a transparent, auditable, and efficient access management environment.
