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Remote access, a hybrid workforce, and bring your own device (BYOD) policies increase the risk of cyberattacks for organizations of all shapes and sizes. In addition, consumers demanding a digital-first experience when it comes to many day-to-day services, whether it is banking, healthcare, retail, etc. introduces several challenges for businesses offering consumer services – from online fraud to privacy concerns and cyberattacks in the form of phishing and other attacks.

Many businesses struggle with implementing the right and necessary cybersecurity measures for their business model to secure their data and resources. Identity as a Service (IDaaS) providers are numerous.

What is an Identity as a service (IDaaS) provider?

An IDaaS provider is a business that can help implement a cloud-based identity and access management solution (IAM) built on a Zero Trust framework that combines technologies such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), passwordless access, and single sign-on (SSO).

Identity solutions are comprised of several technologies that organizations need to make sure users do not have unauthorized access to systems, applications, and data, which helps to prevent data breaches, fraudulent transactions, and other cyberattacks.

Learn more about Identity as a Service (IDaaS).

What services do IDaaS providers offer?

An IDaaS provider offers IAM solutions that are cloud-based subscription models, built around a Zero Trust framework. A company can use any combination of IAM capabilities to verify that the right access is given to the right users and devices at the right time. From privileged access to single sign-on and desktop login, IDaaS providers offer a wide range of identity solutions depending on the business needs. In more detail, IDaaS providers offer the following services:

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

To get access to an application, resource, or website, users are required to provide at least two factors of verification. This authentication method is called multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Single sign-on

As an access management function, single sign-on (SSO) grants employees access to company apps, cloud-based software, and resources with a single login. The employee enters their credentials once and has immediate access to other functionalities within the business, without having to log in. For example, using Outlook, Salesforce, Jira, and Confluence with a single sign-on.

Adaptive authentication

Assessing geo-location, device reputation, and biometrics in real-time can be achieved by using adaptive authentication. Each user login attempt is being automatically assessed for whether entrance should be granted or not.

Passwordless login

Passwordless solutions generate a secure biometric digital identity, such as facial recognition or a fingerprint on the employee’s mobile phones using a PKI credential. This certifies that the login holder is, in fact, the login owner, protecting workers’ corporate assets and digital identities. High assurance passwordless solutions block 80% of cyberattacks and replace the need for password solutions.

Identity orchestration

To orchestrate behavior across identity systems, identity orchestration uses workflows, app gateways, and connectors. It also establishes a concept layer system without modifying or changing application to integrate with any identity system.

Why choose an identity as a service provider for your business?

Migrating to the cloud from existing organization technologies requires a significant implementation effort. When an organization does not have the IT overhead or resources in-house (whether as a small business or large enterprise with multiple remote/branch locations) to implement identity into the cybersecurity infrastructure, it is recommended that they look for a provider that offers IDaaS.

The main benefit of using an IDaaS provider is that it will reduce costs while keeping your data and resources secure. IDaaS is subscription-based and once it is set up all that is left are the administration fees and nothing more. Self-service solutions delivered through the cloud eliminate the need for purchasing and maintaining equipment and free up IT resources to focus on other aspects of the business.

An IDaaS solution improves the overall user experience with passwordless logins and offers stronger security with adaptive MFA and fraud detection. Furthermore, IDaaS providers can offer on-demand scalability to add devices, workloads, or users.

How to choose an IDaaS provider

The ideal IDaaS provider should offer advanced authentication and authorization techniques such as enhanced MFA, SSO, high assurance passwordless access and others to help meet the challenges of supporting a hybrid workforce that needs secure access to resources regardless of where the user is located.

For organizations that support applications and services for consumers, the IDaaS provider that they choose needs to provide secure access that protects customers without adding friction. This can be achieved with advanced passwordless solutions and easy-to-use ID verification services to digitally onboard users.

The IDaaS provider must be able to offer a sustainable solution for an indefinite time, ideally with data centers around the globe and guaranteed uptime. This ensures business operations are not impacted and organizations that have global locations are supported without any latency issues.

Lastly, support and service are the key for successfully implementing and running identity and access management solutions. Issues need to be addressed as fast as possible; continuous support with a global network and excellent product technology is a must.

How does Entrust work as an IDaaS provider?

Entrust Identity as a Service (IDaaS) provides trusted identities for consumers, citizens, and workforces so they can connect securely and effortlessly to the applications, systems, services, and data that they need. Entrust offers an intelligent IAM platform built with a Zero Trust approach, providing user authentication, authorization, and access control to ensure authorized users and devices can securely access resources anytime, anywhere. In addition, Entrust IDaaS enables a breadth of MFA solutions for every industry and use case while offering high assurance passwordless access for a frictionless experience. Other must-have capabilities of Entrust IDaaS include an adaptive-risk based engine and single sign-on, which organizations need to implement a secure and seamless IDaaS solution. Explore the Entrust IDaaS platform and learn more about how you can use Entrust IDaaS to provide a secure and frictionless experience for your users today.

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