17 Best Identity & Access Management (IAM) Solutions

Compromised credentials are behind 61% of data breaches. It highlights a simple truth—passwords, as much as people rely on them, can be the biggest vulnerability. What's more telling is that nearly every organization hit by these breaches believes they could have stopped them. This brings us to a crucial player in the fight against these breaches: Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions.

IAM tools do much more than manage passwords. They include a range of functionalities such as:

• Role-based access control (RBAC)
• Privileged access management (PAM)
• Single Sign-On (SSO)
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

With IAM, organizations can streamline their access management processes, reduce the risk of data breaches, and comply with regulatory requirements, all while providing a seamless user experience.

Top 5 best IAM solutions are:

1. Okta
2. JumpCLoud
3. Microsoft Entra ID
4. Ping Identity
5. OneLogin

Let’s explore the best identity access management solutions with their pros and cons to help you pick the right one for your organization’s needs.

1. Okta Workforce Identity

Best for Seamless Integration and User Experience

One of the best IAM solutions is Okta. It is a cloud-based identity management service that offers single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and lifecycle management features to secure access to applications and data across an organization. It stands out for its extensive integration with a wide range of cloud, mobile, and web applications, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking for a versatile and user-friendly identity and access management solution.

Pros

• Supports thousands of pre-built integrations with cloud, mobile, and on-premises applications.
• Offers a clean, intuitive dashboard that simplifies the management of user identities and access controls.
• Provides advanced security options, including adaptive MFA, conditional access policies, and automated user lifecycle management.

Cons

• Can be expensive for small businesses or organizations with a large number of users.

• While setup and management are straightforward for small to medium-sized implementations, larger deployments may require more effort to manage effectively.
• Being a cloud-based service, there might be concerns for organizations with strict regulatory or data residency requirements.

2. JumpCloud

Best for Hybrid Work Environment

JumpCloud is also one of the best IAM solutions out there. It’s a comprehensive identity and access management platform that excels in managing users across various devices and IT resources, both on-premises and in the cloud. It is especially suited for organizations with a hybrid work environment, offering capabilities like directory services, SSO, MFA, and device management within a single platform. JumpCloud's versatility makes it an attractive option for businesses aiming to centralize their identity management in a diverse IT ecosystem.

Pros

• Effectively manages access across both cloud and on-premises resources, ideal for mixed IT environments.
• Provides robust device management capabilities for a wide range of operating systems, enhancing security and compliance.
• Offers detailed and customizable access control settings to meet diverse organizational needs.

Cons

• New users may face a learning curve due to its extensive feature set.
• While scalable, larger deployments might encounter challenges in terms of complexity and performance optimization.
• Its pricing can be on the higher side, especially as organizations scale and require more advanced features.

3. Microsoft Entra ID

Best for Seamless Microsoft Ecosystem Integration

If you are keen on Microsoft products, then this one is also one of the best identity access solutions for you. Microsoft Entra is an identity and access management solution that shines in environments heavily reliant on Microsoft's ecosystem, including Azure, Office 365, and Windows. It offers a cohesive experience for managing digital identities, access management, and security policies, making it a go-to choice for organizations entrenched in Microsoft's suite of products. Entra's deep integration with these services ensures streamlined operations, enhanced security, and improved productivity.

Pros

• Provides seamless connectivity with Microsoft services, enhancing user experience and administrative efficiency.
• Includes advanced security measures such as conditional access, risk-based authentication, and identity protection to safeguard against threats.
• Adapts to the needs of small to large organizations, offering scalability and customization options to cater to various business requirements.

Cons

• Integrating non-Microsoft products can be complex and may require additional setup.
• The cost may be prohibitive for small businesses or those not fully invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
• The extensive feature set and capabilities may pose a learning curve for new administrators and users not familiar with Microsoft's administrative tools.

Suggested reading: What is Microsoft Entra External ID?

4. Ping Identity

Best for Customizable Security Solutions

Ping Identity offers a versatile identity and access management solution that caters to businesses seeking a balance between security and user experience. It specializes in single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and identity governance, providing a comprehensive platform that supports both cloud and on-premises applications. Ping Identity is noted for its flexibility in creating custom security solutions tailored to specific organizational needs, making it a preferred choice for enterprises with complex security requirements.

Pros

• Flexible and customizable, allowing organizations to tailor the IAM solution to their specific needs.
• Supports a wide array of protocols and standards, ensuring compatibility with a diverse set of applications and services.
• Strong emphasis on security, offering advanced features like risk-based authentication and identity federation.

Cons

• Configuration and customization complexity may require a higher level of technical expertise.
• Pricing model can be complex and may become costly as additional features and services are added.
• Some users report a steeper learning curve to fully leverage all the capabilities offered.

5. OneLogin

Best for Unified Access and Multi-factor Authentication

OneLogin is engineered to offer seamless access management across diverse environments, including cloud, on-premises, and mobile applications. Its strong suit lies in unifying user access with robust multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), and user lifecycle management, ensuring a secure yet convenient user experience. By streamlining access with enhanced security measures, OneLogin serves organizations aiming to bolster their security posture without compromising on ease of use.

Pros

• Simplifies the management of access rights with an intuitive interface.
• Extensive library of pre-integrated applications for quick SSO deployment.
• Strong MFA features enhance security against breaches.

Cons

• Custom integrations may require time and technical knowledge to implement.
• Costs may escalate with the addition of advanced features and more users.
• Customer support experiences may vary, potentially impacting issue resolution times.

6. IBM Security Verify

Best for Adaptive Access and Risk Management

IBM Security Verify excels in offering adaptive access and comprehensive risk management capabilities, making it ideal for organizations that require dynamic security measures based on user behavior and environmental factors. This solution integrates seamlessly with enterprise environments, providing identity governance, SSO, and MFA functionalities. It's particularly notable for its use of AI and machine learning to assess risks and enforce access policies, offering a proactive approach to securing user access across various applications and services.

Pros

• Leverages AI for advanced risk assessment and adaptive authentication.
• Offers a wide range of identity management features, including lifecycle management and compliance controls.
• Strong integration capabilities with enterprise systems for comprehensive IAM across the organization.

Cons

• The complexity of features might require a steeper learning curve for new users.
• Customization and deployment can demand significant IT resources and expertise.
• Pricing structure may be complex, making it challenging for smaller organizations to predict costs.

7. CyberArk

Best for Privileged Access Security

CyberArk stands out for its focused approach on securing privileged accounts, which are often the target of advanced cyber attacks. It provides robust protection for credentials and secrets management across on-premises, cloud environments, and DevOps pipelines. CyberArk is designed for organizations needing to enforce strict security controls over high-risk access points, offering features like session monitoring, threat detection, and automatic credential rotation.

Pros

• Specializes in privileged access management, offering strong security for sensitive accounts.
• Features comprehensive auditing capabilities for monitoring and recording privileged sessions.
• Automates credential rotations and enforces least privilege policies to reduce the attack surface.

Cons

• Can be complex to implement and require dedicated resources for ongoing management.
• May be perceived as costly for smaller businesses or those with fewer privileged accounts.
• The focus on privileged access might necessitate additional tools for broader IAM needs.

Also read: Best Cybersecurity Podcasts

8. SailPoint

Best for Enterprise Identity Governance

SailPoint specializes in identity governance, offering a solution that excels in managing and automating user access policies, entitlements, and compliance reporting. It's particularly suitable for organizations that require detailed oversight and control over user permissions and access rights, with a strong focus on compliance and auditing capabilities. SailPoint facilitates the enforcement of access policies across various applications and platforms, making it a go-to option for large enterprises grappling with the complexities of identity governance and administration.

Pros

• Advanced identity governance features streamline compliance and audit processes.
• Strong policy management and role-based access control for comprehensive oversight.
• Extensive integration capabilities with enterprise applications and systems.

Cons

• The complexity of features might require a longer onboarding process for IT staff.
• Customization and setup can demand significant investment in terms of time and resources.
• Might be cost-prohibitive for smaller organizations with less intricate access management needs.

9. ForgeRock

Best for Scalability and Customization

ForgeRock provides an identity management platform that emphasizes scalability and the ability to be customized to fit a wide array of business needs. This platform stands out for its robust capabilities in managing not just user identities but also devices and things, making it an excellent choice for organizations looking to secure a vast network of digital identities across people, services, and IoT devices. ForgeRock's flexibility in deployment, whether on-premises or in the cloud, coupled with its extensive customization options, allows businesses to tailor the solution to their specific requirements.

Pros

• Exceptional scalability that supports a vast number of identities across users, devices, and services.
• High degree of customization allows businesses to adapt the platform to their unique IAM requirements.
• Comprehensive support for IoT and services identity management, extending beyond traditional user-based IAM.

Cons

• The extensive customization options may lead to a complex setup and longer deployment times.
• Its broad feature set and capabilities might present a steep learning curve for new users.
• The cost can be higher than some competitors, especially for small to mid-sized businesses or when extensive customization is needed.

10. Duo Security (Now part of Cisco)

Best for Multi-Factor Authentication and User Simplicity

Duo Security, now part of Cisco, excels in providing a straightforward and effective multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution, enhancing security without complicating the user experience. Its strength lies in its user-friendly approach to MFA, making it easy for organizations of all sizes to implement strong authentication measures. Duo’s ability to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of applications and services further solidifies its position as a preferred choice for businesses aiming to bolster their security posture with minimal user disruption.

Pros

• Simplified user experience for MFA, promoting higher adoption rates across organizations.
• Broad compatibility with various applications and IT environments enhances its versatility.
• Offers additional security features like device health checks and adaptive authentication.

Cons

• Primarily focused on MFA, which may require integration with other IAM solutions for comprehensive identity management.
• Some advanced features may necessitate higher-tier plans, impacting cost-effectiveness for smaller organizations.
• While the setup is generally user-friendly, customization options may be limited compared to more comprehensive IAM platforms.

11. Auth0

Best for Developer-Friendly Customization and Integration

Auth0 provides a platform tailored for developers, focusing on easy integration and customization of authentication and authorization services. It shines in scenarios requiring custom user experiences or specific security flows, thanks to its extensive APIs and SDKs. Auth0 is ideal for organizations that prioritize flexibility and developer control over identity management features, enabling the creation of sophisticated, secure access management solutions without compromising on user experience.

Pros

• Extensive customization options via APIs and SDKs cater to a wide range of development needs.
• Supports a broad array of identity protocols, including OAuth2, OpenID Connect, and SAML.
• Streamlines the implementation of advanced features like single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and social login.

Cons

• The flexibility and depth of features may present a steep learning curve for less technical users.
• Pricing can escalate quickly as usage increases, particularly for businesses with high user volumes.
• Some users report needing more in-depth documentation for advanced customization and troubleshooting.

12. RSA SecurID

Best for Secure Multi-Factor Authentication

RSA SecurID is a pioneer in the multi-factor authentication space, offering a robust solution designed to secure access to networks and applications. Known for its strong authentication methods, RSA SecurID is particularly effective in environments requiring high levels of security, such as financial institutions and government agencies. The platform combines hardware tokens, software tokens, and mobile app-based authentication to provide a flexible and secure IAM solution.

Pros

• Renowned for its strong and reliable multi-factor authentication capabilities.
• Offers a range of authentication methods, including hardware tokens, which are valued in highly secure environments.
• Extensive experience and a long-standing reputation in the security industry.

Cons

• The reliance on hardware tokens can be seen as less convenient compared to newer, purely software-based solutions.
• May require a more significant investment, especially for large-scale deployments.
• The interface and user experience may not be as modern or intuitive as newer IAM platforms.

13. Saviynt

Best for Cloud Security and Access Governance

Saviynt is an advanced IAM solution tailored for securing cloud environments and providing comprehensive access governance across cloud, hybrid, and on-premises resources. It stands out for its ability to offer fine-grained entitlement management, risk-based access control, and compliance management, making it a go-to choice for organizations looking to enhance their security posture and governance in the cloud.

Pros

• Specializes in cloud security, offering deep integration with major cloud service providers for seamless access management.
• Features an intelligent access governance framework to ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory standards.
• Provides detailed analytics and reporting for enhanced visibility and control over user activities and access patterns.

Cons

• The breadth of features and capabilities may present a steep learning curve for new users.
• Implementation and customization processes can be complex, requiring significant time and resources.
• Pricing model may be challenging for smaller organizations or those with limited IAM budgets.

14. Symantec VIP

Best for Enhanced Security with Two-Factor Authentication

Symantec VIP provides a robust solution for securing access across multiple platforms, focusing on two-factor authentication to bolster security measures. It features push authentication, a credential wallet, and anti-cloning technology to protect against unauthorized access, making it ideal for organizations seeking to strengthen their security beyond traditional passwords.

Pros

• Offers enhanced security features like push notifications for authentication and anti-cloning technology.
• Supports a wide range of applications, enhancing flexibility in security protocols.
• Simplifies the user authentication process, improving access security.

Cons

• The setup and deployment may require technical expertise.
• Costs may escalate as additional security features and services are utilized.
• Some users might find managing multiple authentication methods cumbersome.

15. Oracle Identity Cloud Service

Oracle Identity Cloud Service is best described as a versatile identity and access management solution designed to secure access across cloud and on-premise applications. It provides a robust suite of features including single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, and identity governance, making it suitable for enterprises needing comprehensive IAM capabilities. Oracle's platform is particularly effective for organizations looking to streamline user access while maintaining tight security controls and meeting compliance requirements.

Pros

• Comprehensive IAM features cater to complex enterprise environments.
• Integrates smoothly with both Oracle and non-Oracle applications.
• Offers extensive identity governance capabilities for compliance and risk management.

Cons

• The complexity of features might require a steep learning curve.
• Can be costly for smaller organizations or startups.
• Deployment and customization might require significant time and resources.

16. AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Best for Cloud-Native Identity Management

AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) is specifically designed for securing access to Amazon Web Services. It enables precise control over AWS resources, allowing organizations to define who can access what services and in what capacity. This focus on cloud-native environments makes it particularly suitable for businesses heavily invested in the AWS ecosystem.

Pros

• Deeply integrated with all AWS services.
• Offers detailed policy management for fine-grained access control.
• Supports identity federation for seamless access across AWS and corporate environments.

Cons

• Primarily focused on AWS environments, which might limit its applicability for multi-cloud or hybrid scenarios.
• Can become complex to manage due to the vast array of services and configurations.
• Some features may require a steep learning curve to fully leverage the platform's capabilities.

17. Tenable Cloud Security

Best for Comprehensive Cloud Security and Identity Protection

Tenable Cloud Security serves as a unified platform enhancing security across AWS, Azure, and GCP environments. It supports organizations by providing full asset discovery, risk analysis, runtime threat detection, and compliance adherence. As a CNAPP, it secures cloud infrastructure throughout the development and operational phases by continuously analyzing resources, identifying risks, and offering actionable insights. The platform emphasizes cloud identity security, offering solutions for managing risky entitlements and configurations, ensuring least privilege access across cloud identities and infrastructure.

Pros

• Extensive CNAPP capabilities for end-to-end cloud security.
• Deep risk analysis and compliance management across multi-cloud environments.
• Effective management of human and service identities with actionable insights.

Cons

• May present a learning curve due to its comprehensive features.
• Potential cost implications for smaller organizations seeking extensive cloud security.
• Requires continuous management to fully leverage the platform's capabilities.

IAM Solutions: FAQ

What is an IAM solution?

An Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution is a framework of policies and technologies ensuring that the right individuals access the appropriate resources within an organization. It involves a process of identifying, authenticating, and authorizing individuals or groups of people to have access to applications, systems, or networks by associating user rights and restrictions with established identities.

Which IAM solution is best?

Selecting the best IAM solution depends on several factors including your organization's size, industry, regulatory requirements, and specific security needs. Leaders in the field often include solutions from JumpCloud, Microsoft, Okta, and SailPoint, each offering unique strengths. The "best" solution aligns with your organizational needs, offering the right balance of usability, security, and integration capabilities.

What is the best practice for IAM?

Best practices for IAM include implementing strong password policies, using multi-factor authentication (MFA), regular auditing and reviews of access privileges, and adopting a principle of least privilege (PoLP). It's also vital to ensure seamless integration with the organization's existing IT infrastructure and to provide training for employees on the importance of security policies. Keeping your IAM solutions up to date and conducting regular security assessments can further enhance your security posture.

How do I choose the right IAM solution?

Choosing the right IAM solution for your organization involves a careful assessment of your specific needs, including understanding your security challenges, the size of your organization, and any industry-specific requirements. It's essential to research and compare different IAM solutions, focusing on their features, scalability, integration capabilities, and how well they meet compliance standards. 

• Assess Your Needs
• Research and Compare
• Consider User Experience
• Evaluate Cost
• Request Demos and Trials
• Check References and Reviews