Identity and Access Management (IAM) has long been seen as a foundational element of cybersecurity. But as the cloud reshapes IT infrastructures and identity takes center stage as the new perimeter, where and how IAM operates within organizations has undergone a dramatic shift. No longer just a compliance checkbox or operational function, IAM has become an engine of strategic alignment and a key driver of effective security.
This evolution raises important questions for security leaders. Who should truly own IAM? How does IAM integrate with IT, Compliance, and Security? And, most critically, how can organizations align their IAM functions to strengthen their overall security posture?
If you’re a CISO or IT leader navigating these questions, this post will provide insights into the evolving landscape of IAM and offer actionable ideas to rethink its role in your organization.
The Shifting Landscape of IAM
IAM hasn’t always been on security’s radar. Historically, it operated behind the scenes, deeply rooted in IT or compliance functions.
- Small Enterprises may have positioned IAM under IT, often sitting within DevOps or an IT security team, before maturing into its own dedicated function.
- Larger Enterprises often delineate IAM as its own team, but whether that team reports to IT, Security, or Compliance dictates the strategy. Is the focus on efficiency, checkbox compliance, or robust security? The answer lies in the reporting structure.
However, that model no longer works in modern cloud-native environments. Why? Because identity is no longer a back-office issue. It’s now the frontline defense, where users, applications, and data meet. Missteps in IAM aren’t just internal headaches; they’re gaping vulnerabilities exploited by bad actors.
A Sector-Specific Perspective
The level of IAM maturity and where it fits within the organization is often determined by the company’s sector.
- Highly Regulated Industries: Financial services, healthcare, and government sectors are examples of industries where high IAM maturity is non-negotiable. Here, IAM is entwined with strict compliance mandates, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2. These organizations often adopt advanced IAM strategies out of necessity rather than choice.
- Startups and SMBs: For smaller businesses, IAM tends to be heavily operational and tied to IT. While the focus is often on efficiency, these organizations risk sidelining IAM’s role in a more significant security context.
The level of sophistication and primary objectives differ significantly, but the key takeaway is universal: no matter the industry, misaligned IAM practices can hinder both compliance and security objectives.
The Politics of Identity Management
IAM isn’t just about technology; it’s about teams, ownership, and accountability. And that’s where politics comes into play.
The function often sits at the crossroads of IT, Security, and Compliance. Each department has different objectives, and IAM strategies must account for these dynamics:
- IT: Typically prioritizes operational efficiency, ensuring systems work seamlessly with minimal disruptions to user productivity.
- Security: Focuses on fortifying the organization’s defenses, reducing risk, and ensuring access controls tightly align with real-world threats.
- Compliance: Concentrates on meeting regulatory requirements and passing audits, which often prioritizes thorough documentation and standardized processes.
Adding to these challenges is the involvement of external IAM consultants and stakeholders, which can further complicate decision-making, timelines, and ownership clarity. Thus, success in IAM is as much about collaboration and shared goals as it is about tools and processes.
Integrating IAM into a Security-Led Strategy
The organizations making the most progress in IAM maturity share one common trait: Security leads, or is at least at the table. Why? Because it reflects a mindset shift. Identity is no longer just an IT or compliance issue; it’s a critical aspect of modern security.
1. Unified Ownership of IAM, IT, and Security
Disjointed ownership leads to fractured strategies. When Security, IT, and IAM leaders work together, goals and processes naturally align. This means defining access, auditing roles, and implementing automated processes with one shared vision.
2. Dynamic Access Models
The days of static access reviews are over. Organizations must move toward dynamic, just-in-time (JIT) provisioning and continuous monitoring. This evolution reduces standing privileges, enhancing security while also improving the user experience.
3. Culture of Collaboration
IAM can’t operate in isolation. Success requires fostering collaboration across teams and providing consistent feedback loops. Security teams must advocate for end-users while setting clear guidelines for IT and Compliance.
4. Leverage Automation
Automation reduces friction and drives efficiency. By implementing AI and machine learning, IAM systems can analyze access patterns, flag anomalies, and automate privilege revocation in real time.
Who Should Own IAM?
The question of IAM ownership is one that every organization must answer. It’s tempting to default IAM under IT because of its technical nature or Compliance because of regulatory mandates. But in most cases, and mainly in cloud-first, digital-native environments, Security is often best positioned to lead IAM.
Why? Security operates with a risk-aware mindset. This perspective allows IAM to shift from being a technical necessity to becoming a strategic pillar of the organization’s defensive posture. When paired with IT and Compliance collaboration, a security-led IAM strategy ensures identity management evolves in line with today’s threats.
That said, the ideal ownership of IAM depends on factors like organizational maturity, industry, regulations, and size, all of which influence the best approach to IAM. By considering these variables, organizations can tailor their IAM ownership model to align with their unique needs and challenges.
Rethink Identity, Rethink Security
IAM’s role in the enterprise is no longer optional. Organizations that treat IAM as a siloed function or mere operational necessity risk jeopardizing their security maturity. Conversely, organizations that integrate IAM, IT, and Security into one cohesive strategy unlock not just better security, but also greater agility, operational efficiency, and compliance confidence.
If your IAM program feels stuck in the back office, it’s time to rethink it. Who really owns identity in your organization? And more importantly, is ownership aligned with achieving better security outcomes?
