IAM 101: Authentication Explained – The Front Door to Your Digital World

TL;DR Authentication is the process of verifying that users are who they say they are. It’s the gatekeeper to every digital system, and when done poorly, it becomes the #1 way attackers break in. From passwords to biometrics to FIDO2, authentication has evolved into a key pillar of Zero Trust security. In this post, we’ll explore: How authentication works Different types (and what’s still worth using) Best practices for IT teams How AI, phishing, and automation are shifting the landscape 🔍 Background After 15 years working in Identity and Access Management, I can confidently say: authentication is where security begins—or where it breaks down....

May 14, 2025 · 5 min · Jay Klinkowsky

IAM 101: What is Identity and Access Management (IAM)?

TL;DR Identity and Access Management (IAM) is the framework that ensures secure, efficient control over who (users, devices, or systems) can access what resources within an organization. For IT professionals, IAM is foundational to cybersecurity, compliance, and operational scalability. Core components include authentication, authorization, user lifecycle management, and auditing. Challenges like shadow IT and hybrid environments persist, but solutions like Zero Trust and AI-driven automation are rising. Bonus: Use GPT prompts for SEO to streamline policy documentation and access reviews....

May 7, 2025 · 4 min · Jay Klinkowsky