Identity and access management key security priority

The vast majority of US enterprises view identity and access management (IAM) systems as a key component in future IT security infrastructures, newly released research has claimed.

IAM - the process of establishing and managing the digital identities that provide secure access to networks, sensitive information and other business resources - will be embraced by 90 per cent of respondents in 2005, according to a recent survey conducted at the Digital ID World 2004 conference.

Some 87 per cent of respondents indicated plans to budget funds for IAM in 2005, with more than 55 per cent increasing their IAM budgets by an average of 19 per cent over 2004.

The Unisys-commissioned study, which surveyed C-level executives and IT managers at large US companies, found that almost 80 per cent of respondents view an effective IAM system as a primary means of protecting against corporate network intrusions resulting from identity theft and other attacks originating either inside or outside the enterprise.

"This research clearly demonstrates that senior IT management has come to view identity and access management not as a technology solution, but as a critical part of an enterprise business strategy," said Patrick O'Kane, chief architect of the identity and access management practice at Unisys.

"IAM is no longer a 'nice to have,' it's a 'need to have' for infrastructure security that protects critical assets, promotes operational efficiency and yields optimal return on investment."

Three out of five respondents indicated that they want an IAM system that enables them to manage or reduce operational costs, while nearly half viewed achieving return on investment as a key factor in judging the success of their IAM implementation.