CA White Paper Sample

Executive Summary

Challenge

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a core element of any sound security program. But IAM is also difficult to implement because it touches virtually every end user, numerous business processes as well as every IT application and infrastructure component. As such, successful projects require input and cooperation from many internal groups, an effort that can be difficult to organize. Perhaps even more vexing, IAM projects require a thorough understanding of the organization’s current business strategy and security posture along with a clear vision of the desired security state and the steps required to get there. Too often, organizations attempt to reach that end state by implementing too much new technology at once, and fail to receive value from their efforts in a timely manner. Many organizations also fail to educate end users and IT personnel on the new technology and its impact on processes, and to perform the routine maintenance and upgrades that can deliver maximum value on their IAM project.

Opportunity

Of course many IAM implementations are successful and deliver real business results. Following these five best practices can make your IAM project one of them:

1. Know where you’re going: understand where you are and where you’re headed.
2. Get the right people involved: everyone from end users to IT, marketing and business executives need to play a role.
3. Implement incrementally: use a phased approach that delivers value early and often.
4. Educate, educate, educate: end users, business and IT staff alike need to be educated on the new technology and process changes.
5. The job is never done: like a new car, an IAM solution needs routine attention to stay in top form.....