Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a pivotal element in fortifying an organization’s cybersecurity posture. Any IAM solution must encompass the policies, processes, and technologies that orchestrate digital identities and govern access to information within a network. Implementing an effective IAM system requires a strategic approach to ensure individuals have legitimate access to the right resources at the correct time.

IAM’s significance is underscored in the context of compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). A robust IAM strategy strengthens an organization’s defenses and will streamline operations while also maintaining regulatory compliance.

Key components of any IAM solution:

  1. User Registration – The process of creating an identity within the IAM system.
  2. Identity Validation – Ensuring that the identity is associated with a real user.
  3. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) – Assigning system access to user accounts based on their role within the organization.
  4. Authentication – Verifying the identity of an account, device, or other entity within a computer system. This is often a prerequisite to allowing access to resources in a system.
  5. Authorization – Granting or denying rights to access resources.
  6. Single Sign-On (SSO) – Allows accounts to log in once and gain access to multiple systems without being prompted to log in again.
  7. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify the user’s identity.
  8. User Management – Ongoing management of user access, including updates, deletions, and auditing.
  9. Identity Federation – A system of trust between different organizations’ IAM systems, allowing for shared access.

Associated Controls

The following controls are integral to a comprehensive security posture, addressing various facets of access control, authentication, monitoring, and risk management. As we review IAM throughout CMMC control requirements, we can observe that IAM is littered throughout multiple control families. By embracing IAM, organizations can not only protect their assets but also gain a competitive edge through enhanced operational efficiency and compliance readiness.

AC.L1-3.1.1: Limiting system access to authorized users, processes acting on behalf of authorized users, and devices.

  • IAM systems ensure that only authorized users, processes, and devices can access systems by managing digital identities and permissions. IAM solutions should enforce access policies, manage user credentials, and authenticate users against these credentials before granting access to systems and data.

AC.L1-3.1.2: Restricting system access to the types of transactions and functions that authorized users are allowed to perform.

  • IAM can define user roles and responsibilities. It can make sure that individuals can only execute transactions and access functions that are necessary for their role. This is often managed through Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), which assigns permissions based on predefined roles within the organization.

AC.L2-3.1.3: Controlling the flow of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in accordance with approved authorizations.

  • IAM plays a crucial role in managing the flow of CUI by ensuring that only users with the necessary authorizations are provided access. IAM systems can enforce policies that restrict access to CUI based on specific user roles.

AC.L2-3.1.6: Using Non-privileged accounts or roles when accessing non-security functions.

  • IAM systems help enforce the principle of least privilege by ensuring users are provided with the minimum level of access—or privileges—necessary to perform their job functions. IAM solutions can manage and monitor the use of privileged accounts and ensure that non-privileged accounts are used for regular, non-security-related functions.

CM.L2-3.4.9: Controlling and monitoring user-installed software.

  • IAM can be integrated with systems that monitor and control software installations. By managing user permissions, IAM can prevent unauthorized software installations that could introduce security risks. Additionally, IAM can audit and report on software installation activities by users, aiding in the detection and prevention of potential security violations.

IA.L1-3.5.1: Identifying system users, processes acting on behalf of users, and devices.

  • IAM systems are responsible for uniquely identifying and authenticating users, processes, and devices before they can interact with organizational systems. This identification is crucial for maintaining system integrity and ensuring that actions can be attributed to specific entities.

IA.L1-3.5.2: Authenticating or verifying the identities of users, processes, or devices before allowing access to organizational systems.

  • Authentication is a core function of IAM.IAM grants system access only after verifying user identity via methods like passwords, tokens, biometrics, or MFA. This prevents unauthorized access and ensures that only authenticated users can access sensitive systems and data.

IAM plays a vital role in implementing CMMC controls and safeguarding an organization’s resources. By leveraging IAM, organizations can enhance their security posture, maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, and protect against unauthorized access and potential security breaches.

For assistance with your CMMC efforts, contact DTC’s C3PAO team.