In the evolving landscape of IT infrastructure, the concept of Identity Fabric emerges as a critical solution to the challenges posed by fragmented identity management across diverse platforms. Traditionally, the push for a singular integrated identity and access management platform has fallen short due to the complexity of managing identities spread across on-premise systems and multiple cloud service providers. This results in inconsistent user experiences, heightened security risks, and increased operational costs. Instead of a monolithic approach, Identity Fabric advocates for an open, seamless platform that integrates existing identity tools across legacy applications and hybrid cloud environments. IBM's approach with IBM Verify exemplifies this philosophy, offering unified identity lifecycle management, risk-based authentication, and tailored solutions for both workforce and consumer identities. This approach not only addresses current identity management gaps but also sets the stage for more streamlined and secure operations in modern enterprises.

- By Pradeep Vasudevan, IBM

Executive Summary:

Introduction to Identity Fabric

Identity Fabric is a concept addressing the complexity of managing identities and access across diverse technological landscapes. Traditionally, organizations pursued integrated Identity and Access Management (IAM) platforms, but this approach has proven inadequate due to the rise of multi-cloud environments.

Challenges with Integrated IAM Platforms

Organizations face challenges managing identities spread across on-premise and multiple cloud service providers. This leads to fragmented identity directories, disparate access management policies, and inconsistent user experiences.

The Concept of Identity Fabric

Identity Fabric proposes a different approach—rather than a monolithic IAM platform, it advocates for an open, seamless, and consistent identity management solution. It aims to integrate existing IAM technologies across legacy applications, on-premise tools, and hybrid cloud environments.

Fundamentals of Identity Fabric

1. Consolidation of Identity Silos: Instead of replacing existing IAM tools, Identity Fabric consolidates various identity silos.

2. Unified Security Visibility: Ensures a single view of identities for comprehensive risk management, regardless of where they reside (on-premise or cloud).

3. Integration of Legacy Applications: Addresses the challenge of integrating legacy applications into modern IAM platforms.

4. Identity Threat Detection and Response: Implements real-time risk profiling and response mechanisms to mitigate identity-related risks effectively.

IBM's Approach:

IBM Verify- IBM's solution, IBM Verify, embodies the principles of Identity Fabric by offering:

• Single sign-on capabilities across diverse applications.
• Lifecycle management of user identities across different platforms.
• Enhanced user experience with features like passwordless authentication.

Different User Communities:

Workforce vs. Consumers

IBM Verify caters to both workforce identity management (employees) and consumer identity and access management (external customers), meeting distinct operational and security requirements for each group.

Key Challenges for Organizations Organizations are encouraged to evaluate:

1. Number of Identity Providers: Typically, organizations manage at least three different identity management technologies, complicating unified identity management.

2. System of Record for Identities: The challenge of maintaining multiple systems of record for identities.

3. Consistency in User Interfaces and Security Policies: Ensuring consistent user interfaces and applying security policies uniformly across applications.

Conclusion and Recommendations IBM offers identity workshops to help organizations identify gaps in their identity and access management strategies, providing tailored recommendations to enhance security and operational efficiency.