IAM (Identity Access Management) is a framework of policies and technologies used to manage user access to technology resources and critical information within an organization. Encompassing various data security components such as authorization, authentication, and user management, IAM allows IT administrators to effectively and securely manage, configure and authorize access for both internal and external personnel based on roles and privileges.
Larger organizational data systems are constantly at the highest risk of various forms of cyberattacks, data breaches, and other serious threats. In reality, one careless mistake from a single user of any business unit can easily result in massive damages to the organization as a whole, especially in highly regulated industries encumbered with a wide range of responsibilities, such as aerospace. This is why most IAM strategies first focus on developing security-rich automation of risk protection against threats. Ideally, with IAM implemented, the security system is able to automate the authorization, authentication, and other access granting processes in order to limit the manual interactions between IT managers and users while reducing human-related errors.
Other than contributing to security and compliance, the IAM framework is also recognized for its productivity and cost-saving benefits, as it helps streamline the IT system by reducing redundant tasks and facilitates access to all levels of the system. By limiting interactions between the IT departments and current users, as well as automating the onboarding of the new users, having effective IAM policies in place promotes operational efficiency and scalability rather than being an impediment between security and user experience.
The importance of IAM capabilities for IETM / IETP solutions
As previously stated, no systems are safe from both external malicious threats (cyberattacks) and internal threats (data breaches), and the demand for security is even higher in aerospace and related industries. Cloud-based or on-premise software to aid cross-organizational IETM / IETP data exchange needs to be scrutinized for not just its performance, but also security capabilities.
First, an IETM / IETP solution should be able to restrict access to data based on subscriptions and authorized user lists. This also extends to the ability to customize granular access management per user, fleet, organization, and devices to help expedite content delivery without comprising the required security.
Second, for the aviation and defense industry, it is crucial that an IETM / IETP solution is well equipped with ample IAM features configurable towards meeting the data residency/ transmission requirements and export controls regulations. Since different countries possess different unique regulations, custom user policies must be present to accommodate them.
Finally, because IETM / IETP solutions often come as a suite, consisting of various components and separate modules, LDAP integration with Single Sign-on (SSO) is required to authenticate users accessing multiple endpoints at once, allowing a federated login to each user by generating/assigning unique usernames and passwords. Having SSO implemented and available for thousands of users also reduces the workload on the systems, as well as IT managers.
All in all, it is true that there are still imperfections with IAM, which can grow into considerable challenges when facing more convoluted organizational data systems that lack a centralized user identity repository (such as in aerospace and aviation). In fact, you may notice from time to time these strict policies can mistakenly interfere with or even deny genuine requests for access to resources. Still, keep in mind that IAM is a security component abiding by the “need to know” principle and granular access control, with the goal to prevent sensitive data from getting leaked. It should be considered an important stepping stone to creating a secure environment for the cross-organizational exchange of technical data.
About SYNAXIOM
SYNAXIOM is a leading IT expert with over a decade of experience in developing enterprise-grade tools for managing, distributing, and viewing technical/operational documentation. Currently servicing aerospace with enterprise users including one of the top three aircraft manufacturers globally.
About NIVOMAX Platofrm
A product of SYNAXIOM, the NIVOMAX Platform offers a three-in-one solution to build, use, and deliver IETMs & IETPs compliant with next-generation S1000D specification and ATA legacy data formats.