Digital transformation in identity and access management (IAM) has become crucial for businesses navigating the complex challenges of modern IT environments. This success story illustrates how Soffid IAM enabled a traditional company to streamline its operations, improve security, and enhance user experience through a comprehensive identity management strategy.

The Challenge: Managing Complex, Legacy Systems

In 2018, a traditional company with a diverse and intricate IT landscape—spanning Windows servers, Linux servers, iSeries platforms, and legacy applications—was facing growing complexity in managing identities. The organization struggled with onboarding new employees, deactivating users upon their departure, and managing the countless permissions required throughout the lifecycle of each identity. The high operational cost and lack of automation were pressing challenges that required an innovative solution.

Soffid IAM’s Approach: A Converged Identity Platform

Soffid stepped in to simplify and unify the company’s identity management processes through its converged IAM platform. The initial phase focused on classic identity governance:

• Automated Identity Lifecycle Management: Soffid connected the organization’s payroll system to act as the authoritative identity source, automating the creation and deactivation of employee identities.
• Self-Service Portal: A portal with user-friendly interfaces and automated workflows was established, empowering employees to manage their own permissions and external identities without constant administrative involvement.

This first step connected nearly 40 applications to the Soffid identity governance system, reducing manual effort and increasing operational efficiency.

Adapting to New Challenges: Remote Work and Security

By 2020, the global shift to remote work prompted the organization to enhance its user experience and improve security. Soffid’s converged platform allowed for a seamless integration of identity governance and access management in two critical steps:

1. Unifying User Authentication: Soffid enabled the configuration of an identity provider with SAML and OpenID-Connect protocols, streamlining the process of authenticating users across critical applications.
2. Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Soffid simplified the adoption of MFA across the organization. Employees were provided with options such as SMS and mobile app authentication, ensuring secure access to both applications and desktops.

This approach provided robust, flexible security without compromising user experience, making it easier for remote workers to securely access essential systems.

Scaling Up: Implementing Privileged Access Management (PAM)

In 2022, the organization took its security efforts a step further by testing Soffid’s Privileged Access Management (PAM) module. The aim was to protect critical resources and monitor high-privilege access with advanced security measures. Over two years, Soffid’s PAM solution was fully deployed, covering:

• System Coverage: Windows, Linux, iSeries, and critical applications such as SAP R/3.
• User Access Control: Internal users gained direct access to the PAM solution, while external customers were granted access to specific resources during business hours, with an approval-based workflow for sensitive actions.

The PAM solution added another layer of security by controlling, tracking, and protecting access to the company’s most critical assets.

Looking Ahead: Automation and Efficiency

Today, the company continues to evolve its identity management strategy with Soffid by configuring automated responses to common security incidents. This automation enhances operational efficiency and ensures proactive threat mitigation.

Why Soffid IAM Stands Out:

• Converged IAM Solution: Soffid integrates identity governance, access management, and privileged access into a single, cohesive platform, reducing costs and improving security.
• Future-Proof Flexibility: As the company’s needs evolved, Soffid’s platform was able to scale and adapt, ensuring it could meet both immediate and long-term goals.
• Operational Efficiency: With automated workflows and a self-service portal, Soffid significantly reduced administrative overhead and the time required to manage identities.

Soffid’s journey with this organization demonstrates the power of a unified IAM platform that goes beyond identity management to create lasting value for businesses navigating complex IT environments.

Takeaway: Identity management isn’t a one-time project—it’s a journey that requires flexibility, scalability, and continuous improvement. With Soffid IAM, organizations are empowered to streamline operations, enhance security, and stay ahead of the evolving challenges in today’s digital landscape.

Would you like to learn how Soffid IAM can drive transformation in your organization? Contact us today or request a demo to explore how we can support your identity management needs.