In today's fast-evolving digital landscape, securing identities and controlling access to sensitive information has become a fundamental part of any effective cybersecurity strategy. As organizations increasingly rely on complex digital systems and cloud environments, the need for robust Identity and Access Management (IAM) has never been more critical. IAM ensures that the right individuals have the right access to the right resources, while minimizing the risks of unauthorized access.

The "Identity and Access Management (IAM) According to British Standards" course, provided by The British Academy for Training and Development, is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to implement and manage IAM strategies that comply with British cybersecurity standards. This course will focus on practical techniques and best practices for managing identities and access controls, aligning with key frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001 and Cyber Essentials, while ensuring organizational security and compliance.

Who Should Attend?

This course is intended for:

• IT and Cybersecurity Managers looking to enhance security strategies related to identity and access management.
• Information Security Professionals responsible for implementing access control policies and managing user identities.
• Compliance and Audit Teams overseeing adherence to security regulations and IAM standards such as GDPR and ISO 27001.
• HR and Security Administrators involved in managing user roles, permissions, and system access for employees, contractors, and third parties.
• Technical Specialists and Engineers designing, developing, or integrating IAM solutions to safeguard access to organizational resources.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Understand the core principles and best practices of Identity and Access Management.
• Develop policies and strategies for managing identities and controlling access to critical resources.
• Implement British cybersecurity standards in IAM processes, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Enhance organizational security by reducing the risks associated with unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Foster a culture of awareness and responsibility regarding access controls and identity management.

• Definition of IAM and Its Importance
  • Understanding the concept of IAM and why it is critical for organizational security.
  • Differentiating between identity management and access management.
  • How IAM supports regulatory compliance and organizational security strategies.
• Key Components of an IAM System
  • Identity: Creating and defining digital identities within the organization.
  • Access Control: Granting and restricting access to resources based on roles and responsibilities.
  • Authentication: Ensuring the right individuals are accessing systems through reliable authentication methods.
• Risks Associated with IAM
  • Risks of unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and insider threats.
  • The consequences of weak IAM systems, such as data breaches and system compromises.
  • The importance of data classification and access control to mitigate security risks.

• British Cybersecurity Standards and Frameworks
  • Introduction to British standards like ISO/IEC 27001 and Cyber Essentials and their role in IAM.
  • Understanding the connection between these standards and best practices for managing identity and access controls.
  • How British standards help organizations enhance their security posture and manage IAM risks effectively.
• Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements
  • Key legal requirements such as GDPR and their impact on identity and access management.
  • How IAM processes help organizations comply with these legal and regulatory frameworks.
  • Ensuring data protection and privacy in IAM systems through regulatory adherence.
• Audit and Compliance in IAM
  • Conducting internal audits to evaluate compliance with IAM policies and standards.
  • The role of security auditors in reviewing IAM practices and access controls.
  • Best practices for documenting and reporting IAM processes for compliance purposes.

• Types of IAM Solutions
  • Overview of IAM tools, including Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
  • Tools for role-based access control (RBAC) and Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC).
  • User account management systems: creating, modifying, and deactivating user accounts.
• Designing Effective IAM Systems
  • How to design IAM systems that provide strong security without compromising productivity.
  • The importance of user-centric design in access control systems.
  • Balancing ease of access with security: Ensuring that users can do their jobs without security compromises.
• Access Control Based on Risk
  • Implementing access controls based on risk levels and data sensitivity.
  • Techniques for managing access to critical resources based on user roles, activities, and risk assessments.
  • Using risk-based approaches like RBAC and ABAC to optimize access security.

• Single Sign-On (SSO)
  • What is SSO and how it simplifies access management while maintaining security?
  • Benefits of implementing SSO for end-users and administrators.
  • Challenges and best practices for deploying SSO in an organization.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • The role of MFA in enhancing access security and preventing unauthorized access.
  • Types of MFA methods: SMS, email verification, mobile app-based authentication, and biometric solutions.
  • How to implement MFA within your IAM system to reduce the risk of credential-based attacks.
• Password Management
  • Managing strong password policies to protect against unauthorized access.
  • Using password managers and other tools to improve password security.
  • Educating users on creating strong passwords and recognizing phishing attempts.

• Access Monitoring and Logging
  • The importance of monitoring user activity to detect unauthorized access attempts.
  • Tools and techniques for logging user interactions with sensitive data and systems.
  • How to set up effective monitoring to identify anomalous behavior and potential security incidents.
• Analyzing Suspicious Activities
  • Methods for detecting unusual patterns in user access and behavior.
  • Analyzing logs and events to identify possible internal or external threats.
  • Using analytics tools and security information and event management (SIEM) systems for threat detection.
• Incident Response for Unauthorized Access
  • Responding to security incidents when unauthorized access is detected.
  • Steps for containment, investigation, and recovery in case of a breach.
  • Communicating with stakeholders and managing the aftermath of an access-related incident.

• Cloud-Based IAM Solutions
  • The challenges and opportunities of managing identities and access in cloud environments.
  • How to secure cloud-based applications and data through effective IAM practices.
  • Best practices for integrating IAM with cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in IAM
  • The role of AI in enhancing IAM, including predictive analytics and anomaly detection.
  • Leveraging AI to automate access management processes and improve security posture.
  • Using AI for continuous risk assessment and monitoring of access events.
• Future Trends in IAM
  • The future of IAM with emerging technologies like Blockchain, AI, and Zero Trust Architecture.
  • How organizations can prepare for the evolving landscape of identity and access management.
  • The increasing importance of IAM as organizations embrace remote work and hybrid IT environments.