Series 2, Episode 1: IAM Metrics & KPIs – Measuring Success in Identity Governance

In this episode, we delve into why IAM metrics and KPIs are indeed important in evaluating and optimizing IAM. Building on a new framework for IAM or scaling up an existing one must rely on some measurable measurements whereby the IAM effort can be set in comparison with business objectives.

🔸 Why Metrics and KPIs Matter in IAM
You can’t manage what you can’t measure.” Well, IAM programs aren’t immune from that adage either. The measures and KPIs provide an insight into issues like:
–  Effectiveness of the access controls
–  Anomalous activity detection
–  Compliance to regulatory norms
–  Operational efficiency and cost-cutting measures

🔸 IAM Metrics that Matter
A few IAM metrics with the greatest impact are given below:
1️⃣ Authentication Success Rates
Monitor login success rates to be aware of the state of the user experience and where MFA is probably a pain in the back.

2️⃣ Privileged Access Requests vs. Approvals
Monitor the volume of privileged access requests against approvals to ensure robust access control practices.

3️⃣ Time to Provision/De-Provision Accounts
Monitor the speed of onboarding and offboarding so that there will be a reduction in security risks.

4️⃣ Number of Orphaned Accounts
Monitor unused accounts to minimize insider threats and meet compliance standards.

5️⃣ Violation of Policy Detected and Corrected
Policy violations like role conflicts, unauthorized access should be monitored to understand areas for process improvement.

6️⃣ Time-Based User Access Review
Adherence to periodic access reviews should be measured to ensure accountability and compliance.

🔸 Translating Metrics into Business Value
Metrics is not simply a repository of data; it’s value lies in how you analyze and act on it:
• Make dashboards actionable for the stakeholders with the real-time view
• Correlate IAM metrics with business outcomes, like reduced downtime or audit findings
• Review your KPI regularly to refine process and course correct through evolving changes in risk

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💡 What’s Next?
IAM success doesn’t just focus on numbers and statistics; instead, it’s about telling the story they reveal. Tune in to the next episode on “IAM for the Remote Workforce: Overcoming Challenges in a Decentralized Era” to learn how IAM strategies can be designed for today’s workplace.

🔔 What IAM metrics do you prioritize in your organization? Let’s discuss in the comments!

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