The ins and outs of identity orchestration

Each user has a digital identity

If you have even one online account, you already have a digital identity. That's because that one account likely contains enough information to identify you across the internet. With 5.35 billion active internet users worldwide, according to Forbes, most people have a unique online footprint—and that includes you.

Now, imagine you’re a company that needs to effectively and efficiently identify hundreds or even thousands of users to ensure the right people have access to the right resources while keeping outsiders out. This can seem like a complex task, and it is, unless you have the right tools to manage it. So, how do you handle it? Here’s where identity orchestration comes into play.

What is identity orchestration, exactly?

Generally speaking, identity orchestration is a strategy that helps organizations automate and enhance the management of digital identities. To put it simply, it’s an efficient way for companies to control who has access to what by streamlining the process of managing accounts, permissions, and access rules.

So, instead of handling these tasks manually, identity orchestration integrates everything into a single, smooth procedure that not only boosts security but also improves the user experience.

How do identity orchestration platforms work?

To answer the question, let's break down what identity orchestration platforms (or “identity tools,” as they are sometimes called) really are. If we were being a bit cheeky, we could just say that they handle authentication orchestration (no kidding, right?). But in simple terms, these tools are advanced IT systems designed to manage, automate, and streamline how users log in and get authorized across various apps and services.

Think of an identity orchestration platform as the central hub for all your identity-related tasks, ensuring everything is secure and running smoothly. It takes the hassle out of juggling multiple identities and passwords by offering features like single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA), making life easier and more secure for the users.

So, for example, suppose you're an employee at a company that uses a wide range of software tools—email, project management, HR systems, and more. Without an identity orchestration platform, you'd have to remember and manage different usernames and passwords for each system. But with an orchestration platform in place, you log in once, and it seamlessly gives you access to all the tools you need. This not only simplifies your daily routine but also significantly boosts security.

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Can identity orchestration help organizations?

Identity orchestration platforms are a game-changer for organizations, offering a central framework that integrates various identity services without requiring companies to make significant changes to their code. This makes authentication much easier: employees can use just one set of credentials to quickly log in and gain seamless access to all connected applications.

Beyond ease of use, these identity orchestration tools allow organizations to enforce sound and consistent cybersecurity policies and manage permissions more effectively. They also enable administrators to dynamically adjust access rights based on factors like user behavior or risk level, helping to mitigate cybersecurity risks and maintain compliance with industry standards and legal regulations. Essentially, identity orchestration platforms help companies stay agile and allow them to focus more on what matters most – their business.

Identity orchestration use cases

Based on what we’ve talked about, it’s clear that identity orchestration tools can really transform how businesses operate, enhancing both productivity and security. Here are some of the key ways they’re being used:

• Breaking down identity silos: Identity orchestration tools help merge separate identity systems, bringing all your user data and access controls into one cohesive platform. This means smoother operations and a better experience for everyone in the organization.

• Creating custom SSO systems: If you want to make it easier for your employees to log in and reduce their password fatigue, identity orchestration tools have you covered. They let you set up custom SSO systems, so users can access all their apps with just one set of credentials. It’s a huge time-saver and takes the hassle out of managing multiple passwords.

• Modernizing and securing legacy assets: By adding modern identity management tools, you can breathe new life into old legacy systems, making them more secure and functional as a result. This way, even your outdated tech can keep up with today’s security standards and easily connect with newer technologies.

• Meeting compliance requirements: Identity orchestration tools help businesses stay on top of regulations by offering strong access controls and detailed audit features. They make sure your user data is managed correctly, so you can avoid compliance issues and steer clear of costly legal problems.

• Enhancing fraud and risk protection: Identity tools and their advanced authentication and monitoring capabilities can significantly strengthen an organization's defenses against fraud. These solutions keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and alert the organization to vulnerabilities and potential threats, helping to protect sensitive information from breaches.

How NordPass can help with identity orchestration

Managing identity authentication is a must for today’s organizations to keep their resources secure and ensure only the right people have access. To handle this effectively without making a big investment, NordPass is a great tool to consider.

Even though NordPass is mainly known as an end-to-end encrypted password manager, it can be adapted for identity management purposes in several ways:

• Central password hub: Employees can keep all their business passwords in one place. They just log in to NordPass and use autofill to access other accounts quickly.

• Advanced admin controls: Admins can track all access activity and manage which employees have access to what resources.

• Extra protection layers: NordPass works with other security tools and supports both two-factor and multi-factor authentication. This adds extra layers of security to keep cybercriminals at bay.

• Security audits: NordPass can quickly identify weak, reused, and compromised passwords, helping organizations make sure that all employees follow security policies and regulations.

With these and other NordPass features, organizations can make managing identities easier and boost their security and productivity without spending a fortune.

Sounds good? Give NordPass a try and see for yourself!