IAM "Projects" Are Dead: Why a Product Mindset is Key to Your Security

Jul 11

Cybersecurity companies in Malaysia AKATI Sekurity — In your business right now, who has access to what?
The question seems simple, but the answer is dangerously complex.

Your employees have access to cloud applications. Your customers have access to portals. Your partners have access to shared data. Automated systems and devices, or "machine identities," have access to your core infrastructure1. Each of these represents a digital identity that must be managed and secured.

For years, businesses have treated Identity and Access Management (IAM) as a series of disconnected IT projects. A new application needs single sign-on, so a project is launched. A new cloud platform needs access controls, so another project is created. This tactical, siloed approach has created a massive, unmanaged web of access privileges that has become one of the biggest security risks for modern organizations.

It's time for a new approach. Effective IAM is not an IT problem to be solved with isolated projects. It is a core business program that requires strategy, governance, and continuous improvement.

The Failure of Siloed Identity Management

When technology decisions are made in isolation, the consequences are severe. Different departments buy different tools that often have overlapping capabilities, leading to wasted investment. Worse, this fragmented approach creates security gaps. Without a central strategy, it's impossible to have a clear, unified view of who has access to your most critical assets, leaving your organization vulnerable to credential abuse and data breaches.

The primary barriers to fixing this are not just technical. They often come down to a lack of funding, a shortage of specialized IAM skills, and a failure to get all stakeholders to agree on a clear path forward. Overcoming this requires elevating IAM from a back-office IT function to a formal, board-level strategic program.

Building a Modern IAM Program: The Core Pillars

A successful IAM program moves beyond technology and focuses on creating a resilient framework for managing all digital identities. This framework is built on three essential pillars.

  
  IAM Program Table
  
      Key Element
      Description
    
      1. A Unified Strategy and Architecture
      
        A modern IAM program begins with a formal strategy that outlines a clear vision. This document should connect every IAM initiative directly to business goals, whether it's enabling faster customer onboarding, securing digital transformation projects, or reducing security risk.

        This strategy is supported by a unified architecture. Instead of buying point solutions, the architecture provides clear principles and guardrails for all future technology decisions. This ensures that every new tool fits into a cohesive whole, reducing technical debt and maximizing the value of your investments.
      
      2. Breaking Down Silos and Fostering Collaboration
      
        An IAM program cannot succeed if it is run solely by the security team. It is a cross-functional effort that requires input and collaboration from every part of the business.

        Involve All Stakeholders: Application owners, platform managers, and business unit leaders must be part of the decision-making process. Their needs and priorities must be integrated into the IAM roadmap from the beginning.

        Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities: A formal program defines who is responsible for what. This eliminates confusion and ensures that policies are applied consistently across the entire organization.

        Communicate Constantly: The IAM program leader must regularly communicate the status of initiatives, aligning priorities with business needs and ensuring everyone understands the value being delivered.
      
      3. A Shift to Continuous Improvement
      
        Perhaps the biggest mindset shift is moving from "projects" to "products." A project has a defined end date. IAM, however, is never "done." It is a continuous program that must evolve as the business grows and threats change.

        Adopting a product management approach means that IAM capabilities like single sign-on or access governance are treated as internal products. They have owners, receive continuous funding, and are constantly improved to deliver more value to their "customers," who are the employees and partners of the business.

        This ensures that your IAM program remains agile, effective, and aligned with the long-term needs of the organization.

From Chaos to Control: The Path Forward

Building a formal IAM program is a significant undertaking, but it is no longer optional. It is the foundation of modern cybersecurity and a critical enabler of business growth and resilience16. A well-governed program ensures that the right people and machines have access to the right assets, at the right time, for the right reasons.

This is not a journey a business should take alone. It requires deep expertise in both strategy and technology. AKATI Sekurity’s Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and Security Consulting Services are designed to guide organizations through this exact process. We help you move from a chaotic, siloed state to a mature, strategic IAM program that enhances your security posture and supports your most important business objectives.

To begin the conversation about building a resilient and effective Identity & Access Management program, contact AKATI Sekurity today.