IAM Software & Its Uses

Identity-based cyberattacks make up 30% of total intrusions, according to IBM.¹ In other words, attackers are increasingly logging in with stolen credentials rather than breaking in with brute force.

This shift makes identity and access management (IAM) software a must-have for protecting an organization’s systems and data.

Across industries, IAM software is used to secure sensitive information, simplify access, automate processes and enable safe workflows in an increasingly digital workplace.
 

Key takeaways:    

• Identity-based threats are increasing, and identity and access management (IAM) software is critical for safeguarding systems and data. 
• Other uses for IAM software include streamlining logins, automating account provisioning and supporting secure workflows. 
• Its flexibility allows organizations to facilitate secure access across cloud, hybrid and on-premises environments.

What is IAM software?

IAM software is a framework of tools and processes designed to securely manage user identities and control access to systems, applications and data. It helps organizations verify that users are who they say they are and that they have the right level of access to perform their jobs.

As rf IDEAS President David Cottingham explains:

“The pace of digital transformation is forcing every organization to rethink how it manages identity. Modern IAM software gives them the agility to evolve without sacrificing security, especially when paired with secure credential technologies like passkeys or mobile credentials.” 

IAM software supports advanced authentication methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA), smart cards, mobile credentials and passkeys. Because of this flexibility, IAM software is widely used in industries such as healthcare, government, enterprise, manufacturing and education.

5 benefits of using IAM software

Every organization has different access challenges, but the right IAM software can address them in practical, everyday ways. From compliance requirements to employee productivity, here are five of the most common use cases where IAM makes a measurable difference:

1. Protect sensitive systems and meet compliance requirements

    

   IAM’s primary function is to verify users before granting access to applications and data, reducing the risk of breaches. In the process, it enforces access policies to help you stay aligned with regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR and PCI DSS. By maintaining tighter control over access, you lower both security risks and the chances of costly regulatory violations.

    

2. Simplify employee login

    

   With IAM software, you can enable single sign-on (SSO) and passwordless authentication so employees don’t have to juggle multiple logins. This makes it easier for your team to stay productive and reduces the password reset burden for IT.

    

3. Automate account provisioning

    

   IAM lets you automate onboarding and offboarding by granting or revoking access when employees join or leave. This ensures your people always have the right access at the right time while minimizing errors. Automating these tasks also helps IT focus on higher-value initiatives instead of routine access management.

    

4. Support hybrid and multi-cloud environments

    

   Whether your systems are on-premises, cloud or hybrid, IAM adapts to your setup. You can support a mix of authentication methods, including smart cards, mobile credentials and passkeys while keeping access unified across environments. This consistency makes it easier to scale security as your infrastructure evolves away from legacy technologies towards more modern solutions.

    

5. Enable secure access beyond login

    

   IAM software isn’t limited to system logins. It can also be applied to workflows like secure print, visitor management and time and attendance tracking, making everyday tasks safer and more efficient. This helps build a culture of security across your entire workplace.

    

Power your IAM software strategy with rf IDEAS

IAM software gives you a versatile way to protect systems, streamline access and adapt to the demands of a modern workplace. By applying it to use cases like compliance, provisioning, hybrid environments and secure workflows, you strengthen both security and efficiency.

With rf IDEAS WAVE ID® card readers, you can extend IAM software even further by using the employee credentials you already issue for fast, secure authentication.

From logging into systems to releasing print jobs or tracking attendance, WAVE ID readers help you get more from your IAM investment and make everyday access seamless.

Contact us to learn how rf IDEAS can help you get more from your IAM software with flexible authentication solutions.