On-Premises vs. Cloud-Based IAM
Preventing this kind of nightmare scenario starts with a solid backup plan for IAM data. Whether IAM data is stored on-premises or in the cloud, organizations need to ensure that it’s protected and can be recovered in an emergency. IAM data backup is also needed to protect against garden-variety human error — mistakes that are made without malice but nevertheless disrupt operations.
When IAM data is stored on-premises, organizations should be backing it up like any other critical system and verifying that those backups can be restored. However, many organizations now use cloud-based services for IAM, complicating the backup process.
For example, some 60,000 organizations worldwide rely on Azure Active Directory (AD) to manage more than 1.2 billion identities. Seamless operation of Azure AD is essential to the functioning of myriad applications and resources that are commonly used in today’s environments. However, Azure AD does not have built-in backup tools. Organizations need a third-party solution for Azure AD backup.
Additional Benefits of IAM Backup
Microsoft has a robust infrastructure with industry-leading security and data protection baked in. Under the shared responsibility model of the cloud, however, users are responsible for protecting the data stored in the Azure platform. It’s unlikely that a problem with Microsoft’s infrastructure would cause data loss. Organizations need to protect user information against cyberattacks, rogue administrators or innocent mistakes.
IAM backups do more than protect against disaster and accidental deletion. Best-in-class solutions maintain an audit trail changes, enabling IT to roll back to a known good state if problems arise. This is especially useful if data is compromised by ransomware or unauthorized access. The audit trail also aids in forensic analysis in the event of a cyberattack.
The ability to review users, roles, group memberships and permissions at specific points in time aids in compliance and e-discovery, enabling organizations to prove that proper controls are in place. Organizations should look for an IAM backup solution that logs sign-ins and other activities as well.
Choosing the Right IAM Backup Solution
Rapid recovery is an important feature of any IAM backup solution. Fast restoration of data helps ensure seamless access to internal and external resources, minimizing downtime and reducing the impact on productivity.
There are a number of IAM backup solutions on the market, and choosing the right one depends upon the type of IAM solution, volume of data and a number of other factors. Technologent has a practice dedicated to data protection. Our team can assess your environment and help you select an IAM backup platform that will meet today’s requirements and scale to accommodate growth.
Given the critical nature of IAM to business operations, organizations need to protect IAM data. Let Technologent help you implement a robust backup solution that will reduce risk and ensure business continuity.
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