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Glossary / Workforce Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Workforce Identity and Access Management (IAM)
What is workforce identity and access management?
Workforce identity and access management is essentially managing IAM within a company. So employees, contractors, partners, suppliers etc.
Workforce identity is the foundation of how organizations manage who their internal users are and what they can access. It includes the creation, management, and governance of digital identities for employees, contractors, and partners who need to interact with business systems. This involves defining roles, assigning entitlements, and maintaining accurate identity records as people join, move within, or leave the organization. A strong workforce identity strategy ensures that every user’s digital footprint is aligned with their responsibilities and updated throughout their lifecycle.
The access management component is what enforces those identity decisions in real time. It governs how users authenticate — typically through passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), or biometrics — and what they’re allowed to access once authenticated. Access management is critical not only for protecting sensitive data and systems, but also for maintaining productivity. When implemented effectively, it ensures that the right people can quickly and securely access the resources they need, while unauthorized or risky attempts are blocked or challenged. Adaptive authentication plays a key role here by introducing context and intelligence into those access decisions.
Key components of workforce IAM
Key components of workforce IAM include:
- Identity and access management (IAM) – Systems and policies that control user access to company applications and data.
- Single sign-on (SSO) – A method allowing employees to use one set of credentials to access multiple systems.
- Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) – An extra layer of security requiring additional verification steps beyond just a password.
- Role-based access control (RBAC) – Ensures that employees only have access to the data and applications relevant to their job.
- Lifecycle management – Automates processes like onboarding new employees, updating access as roles change, and deactivating accounts when someone leaves.
- Zero Trust security – A security model where no user or device is automatically trusted, requiring continuous verification.
Workforce identity is crucial for security, compliance, and productivity, helping businesses protect sensitive data while enabling employees to work efficiently.
What is the difference between customer identity and workforce identity?
The main difference between Customer Identity and Workforce Identity lies in who the identities belong to and how they are managed. Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Customer Identity (CIAM) | Workforce Identity (IAM) |
|---|---|---|
| Who it serves | External users (customers, partners) | Internal users (employees, contractors) |
| Primary goal | Enhancing user experience, security, and personalization | Controlling access, security, and compliance |
| Authentication methods | Social logins, passwordless, MFA, SSO | MFA, SSO, role-based access control (RBAC) |
| Access control | Manages access to customer portals, e-commerce, and apps | Manages access to internal tools, databases, and cloud services |
| User lifecycle | Self-service account creation, profile updates, consent management | HR-driven onboarding, role-based provisioning, offboarding |
| Security focus | Fraud prevention, data privacy (GDPR, CCPA compliance) | Zero Trust security, insider threat protection, regulatory compliance (SOX, HIPAA) |
| Examples of solutions | Okta Customer Identity, Auth0, ForgeRock CIAM, Ping Identity | Okta Workforce Identity, Microsoft Entra ID, CyberArk, SailPoint |
Key Differences in Practice
- Customer Identity (CIAM) is designed for scalability and ease of use, ensuring seamless logins and personalization for millions of users.
- Workforce Identity (IAM) focuses on strict security and compliance, managing employee access to corporate resources.
What are examples of workforce identity products?
There are several workforce identity products on the market, designed to help businesses manage and secure employee access to systems and data. Here are some key examples:
Identity & Access Management (IAM) Solutions
- Okta Workforce Identity – Provides Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and lifecycle management for employees.
- Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) – Microsoft’s identity solution that integrates with Office 365 and other enterprise applications.
- Ping Identity – A robust IAM solution for large enterprises, offering advanced authentication and security.
- ForgeRock Identity Cloud – An enterprise-grade IAM solution with strong security and scalability.
Single Sign-On (SSO) & Authentication
- Google Cloud Identity – Provides SSO, MFA, and endpoint management for organizations using Google Workspace.
- IBM Security Verify – An AI-powered authentication and IAM platform for enterprises.
- Auth0 (by Okta) – A flexible authentication platform that allows custom identity management solutions.
Privileged Access Management (PAM)
- CyberArk – Specializes in securing privileged accounts to prevent insider threats.
- BeyondTrust – Offers password vaulting and session monitoring for privileged users.
Identity Governance & Administration (IGA)
- SailPoint – Helps businesses manage identity governance, compliance, and user access lifecycle.
- Saviynt – Cloud-based IGA with automation for user provisioning and compliance monitoring.
Learn more about the differences between CIAM and workforce identity in this blog post.