Identity and access management (IDAM) ensures the right people have the right access to the right resources at the right time. Its purpose is twofold: to protect sensitive data by preventing unauthorised access, and to make it easier for legitimate users to get what they need.
As organisations move towards cloud-based systems, remote work, and stricter data laws, IDAM has become a vital part of modern cybersecurity.
IDAM 101: What is the purpose of identity and access management
At its core, IDAM is about two simple but crucial things: authentication and authorisation.
Authentication is all about confirming who someone is — like checking a username and password, scanning a fingerprint, or sending a one-time code to their phone. Authorisation, on the other hand, decides what that person can actually do once they’re in.
A good IDAM system follows the principle of least privilege — meaning every user, device, or system only gets the access they genuinely need to do their job, and nothing more. It’s a simple rule that goes a long way in preventing both external hacks and insider misuse by defaulting to “no” unless access is approved.
To make all this work, IDAM systems rely on a few key building blocks, often called the pillars of IDAM:
- Identity Administration: this is where user identities are created, managed, and retired. For example, when someone joins a company, the IDAM system automatically creates their account, assigns the right role-based permissions, and removes access when they leave.
- Authentication: this pillar verifies that users are who they claim to be. It’s not just about passwords anymore — multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, using codes, app approvals, or biometrics to make logins safer.
- Access control: this defines who can access what. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) ties permissions to job roles (so finance staff get access to finance systems, for instance), while more advanced models use attributes or context to make access decisions in real time.
- Auditing and analytics: every login, permission change, and access attempt gets logged. This helps organisations detect suspicious behaviour and stay compliant with regulations. Modern IDAM tools even use AI to spot unusual activity or potential insider threats before they escalate.
Together, these elements form a seamless process: when someone tries to access a resource, the IDAM system verifies their identity, checks their permissions, grants or denies access, and records the event.
So, what is the purpose of identity and access management? In short, it keeps your organisation’s data secure while ensuring that the right people can get their work done without unnecessary roadblocks.
Emerging trends in IDAM: zero Trust, passwordless, and AI
The world of IDAM is moving fast — and for good reason. As cyber threats evolve and businesses shift to hybrid, cloud-first environments, traditional security models simply don’t cut it anymore.
Three major trends are shaping the future of IDAM in 2025: Zero Trust, passwordless authentication, and the growing influence of AI.
1. The rise of “Zero Trust” security
You’ve probably heard the phrase “never trust, always verify.” That’s the core of the Zero Trust model — a mindset that flips traditional security on its head. In the old days, being “inside the network” often meant you were trusted by default. Zero Trust eliminates that assumption. Every access request, no matter who it’s from or where it’s coming from, has to be verified and authorised.
This is where IDAM takes centre stage. Zero Trust depends on strong, continuous identity verification — confirming not just who you are, but also what device you’re using and whether it’s secure. For example, even if you’re already logged into the VPN, trying to open a finance database might trigger another MFA prompt or policy check, especially if you’re using an unmanaged device.
The approach has also boosted the use of contextual and adaptive authentication, where access decisions change dynamically based on risk signals. It’s all about enforcing least privilege — giving users just enough access, only when they need it.
Many organisations are rolling out Zero Trust in stages, often starting with identity — tightening IDAM policies and ensuring every user and device is verified continuously. In essence, IDAM isn’t just part of Zero Trust; it’s the foundation that makes it possible.
2. Going passwordless
Passwords have been the weakest link in security for years — too easy to forget, reuse, or steal.
That’s why passwordless authentication is quickly gaining traction. Instead of relying on something you know (a password), passwordless login depends on something you have (like a trusted device or key) or something you are (like a fingerprint or face scan).
Thanks to standards like WebAuthn and FIDO2, and support from giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Google, passwordless login is becoming mainstream. Think of unlocking your laptop with your fingerprint or signing into your Microsoft account using a hardware key — faster, more secure, and no password resets required.
The benefits are huge:
- Stronger security: no passwords means nothing to phish or reuse.
- Better user experience: faster, smoother logins and no more remembering complex combinations.
- Less MFA fatigue: the possession of the trusted device often doubles as your second factor.
Some organisations are already piloting passwordless solutions for specific groups — like admins using FIDO2 keys or employees authenticating through mobile push notifications. Analysts predict that before long, passwordless authentication will become standard practice in workforce IDAM, complementing the Zero Trust approach by removing one of security’s biggest liabilities: the password itself.
3. AI and machine learning take IDAM to the next level
Artificial intelligence is quietly revolutionising how IDAM works behind the scenes. Modern systems now use AI and machine learning to make smarter, faster security decisions.
A great example is User and Entity Behaviour Analytics (UEBA) — technology that learns normal patterns of user behaviour and flags anomalies. So if an employee’s account suddenly downloads gigabytes of data at 3 AM, the system can automatically alert security teams or block the activity.
AI also powers risk-based authentication, where every login attempt gets a risk score based on factors like device health, location, and past behaviour. Low-risk logins stay seamless, while high-risk ones trigger extra verification — balancing security with user convenience.
On the admin side, machine learning can recommend access rights, detect dormant accounts, or even automate privilege adjustments. With the rise of generative AI tools and bots, IDAM is also expanding to include non-human identities — ensuring automated systems follow the same strict access rules as people do.
Other noteworthy shifts
IDAM is increasingly seen as the new security perimeter — the first and last line of defence in modern IT environments. We’re also seeing growth in Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) tools, designed specifically to combat identity-based attacks.
For now, though, the biggest practical shifts remain focused on Zero Trust, passwordless authentication, and AI-driven IAM — three forces working together to make digital identity more secure, usable, and future-ready.
So once again, what is the purpose of identity and access management? Well to put it simply, IDAM exists to ensure the right people (or systems) have the right level of access to the right resources — and nothing more.