What is Federated Access?
Federated Access is a term used in Information Technology (IT) to describe a type of identity management solution that separates user authentication from the application or service that the user is trying to access. It allows a user to use the same identity or set of credentials to access multiple systems, applications, or networks across a distributed environment, which might be owned or managed by several different entities. Federated Access works by linking or associating each of the user's identities across these various environments, which is achieved by sharing digital identity and entitlement/rights (attributes) across network and system boundaries.
Why Federated Access Exists?
Federated access was created to solve the problem of managing multiple usernames and passwords in a distributed environment. As organizations and businesses grow larger and more diversified, the traditional concept of a single, unified network often is no longer practical, and users need to access resources that are spread over multiple systems, environments, and networks. By implementing federated access, organizations can make this process much easier and more secure for their users, as it eliminates the need for users to remember multiple sets of credentials and reduces the risk of password fatigue.
Who Needs Federated Access?
The primary users of federated access are large organizations and businesses, particularly those that operate over distributed networks or have multiple, independent subsystems. This includes enterprises that utilize Cloud infrastructure and Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, as well as organizations that rely heavily on third-party vendors or partners. IT departments within these organizations typically implement federated access to streamline user authentication and improve security measures.
Federated Access in SaaS and Cybersecurity
In the world of SaaS and cloud infrastructure, federated access plays a vital role in Identity and Access Management (IAM). As businesses increasingly move towards SaaS solutions and cloud computing, the need for robust and secure IAM becomes more critical. Federated access helps by providing a centralized authentication mechanism that interacts with various SaaS applications or cloud services, ensuring authorized access and enhancing overall cybersecurity.
While federated access helps in effectively managing user authentication, it also gives room for more robust permission management strategies like "least privilege access". This principle ensures that a user is granted the minimum levels of access–or permissions–they need to perform their job functions. By combining federated access with the principle of least privilege, organizations can significantly strengthen their cybersecurity posture and minimize the potential for unauthorized access or data breaches.
How Common is Federated Access?
Federated access is commonplace in large organizations and is becoming increasingly popular as businesses continue to transition to cloud-based services. It's seen as an essential component of a modern, robust cybersecurity strategy and its adoption can be seen in various industries including healthcare, finance, education, and many more.
