IAM & SSO: connect tools, keep access coherent.

Separate identity from authorisation

IAM manages the lifecycle of identities and access. SSO lets users access multiple applications through shared authentication. Authentication proves identity; authorisation determines permitted actions. Central sign-in does not replace role design inside each application.

Map integrations

List applications, supported protocols, service accounts and external-user needs. OpenID Connect and SAML commonly provide federation; SCIM can support provisioning where products implement it. Check the capabilities of the actual software editions.

Manage joiners and leavers

Define the authoritative identity source, groups and approvals. Test central access removal through to application sessions and local accounts.

• Apply least privilege and review access.
• Use risk-appropriate multifactor authentication.
• Separate human identities from service accounts.

Prepare for incidents

The identity provider becomes an important dependency. Plan its availability, backups and key rotation. Controlled emergency accounts may be needed; audit and test them. Anticipate certificate changes and directory outages.