SAP Cloud Identity Access Governance (IAG) – A Primer

What is SAP Cloud Identity Access Governance (IAG)?

SAP Cloud Identity Access Governance (IAG) is a cloud-based solution that enables organizations to manage access to critical business applications and data. It is part of the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), which provides a range of cloud-based services and solutions for businesses of all sizes. With SAP Cloud IAG, organizations can easily manage access to their SAP and non-SAP applications and their cloud and on-premise systems, using a single, centralized platform.

SAP Cloud IAG provides similar functionalities as SAP Access Control, a part of SAP’s GRC solutions, but doesn’t act as its replacement. It enhances Identity and Access Management (IAM) in intricate cloud and on-premise environments and augments compliance practices with an easy-to-navigate, dashboard-driven interface and a simplified cloud experience.

SAP Cloud IAG features a variety of IAM capabilities such as self-service access requests for on-premise and cloud applications, access risk analysis, and role design. The services offered by SAP Cloud IAG can operate independently or in coordination with each other.

Understanding Identity Access Governance

Identity Access Governance (IAG) is the practice of ensuring that users have the appropriate access to the right systems and data within an organization. It involves defining roles and permissions for users, reviewing access requests, and monitoring user activity to ensure that access is appropriate and necessary.

IAG is an essential component of an organization’s security strategy as it helps to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and compliance violations. Organizations can implement strong access controls with the solution and ensure that sensitive data is protected and meets regulatory requirements.

Key Features and Benefits of SAP Cloud Identity Access Governance (IAG)

SAP Cloud IAG offers a range of features and benefits that make it a powerful tool for managing identity and access in an organization. It includes five core services: Access Analysis, Role Design, Access Request, Access Certification, and Privileged Access Management. Some of the key features are:

• Role Design: SAP Cloud IAG enables organizations to define roles and permissions for users, making it easier to manage access to systems and data. The use of business roles allows for cross-system definition and assignment.
• Access Request: With SAP Cloud IAG, users can request access to systems and data, and managers and role owners can approve or deny those requests. Risk analysis to understand the impact on SOD or critical access is included in the access request.
• Risk Analysis: SAP Cloud IAG includes risk analysis tools that help organizations identify and mitigate potential security risks, such as excessive permissions or conflicting duties. Risk can be analyzed in a single system, as well as cross-system for cross-system separation of duties.
• Privileged Access Management: SAP Cloud IAG provides Privileged Access Management (PAM) capabilities that allow organizations to monitor and control access to privileged accounts and sensitive data.
• Access Certification: SAP Cloud IAG provides detailed reports on access activity, making it easier to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements. It also allows for user access reviews to periodically review users’ access across the entire landscape.

The benefits of SAP Cloud IAG include:

• Improved Security: By implementing strong access controls and monitoring user activity, SAP Cloud IAG helps organizations to reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
• Streamlined Compliance: With detailed reporting and compliance tools, SAP Cloud IAG makes it easier for organizations to meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate compliance.
• Reduced Costs: By automating access management processes, SAP Cloud IAG can help organizations to reduce the costs associated with manual identity and access management.
• Simplified Administration: With a single, centralized platform for managing access to all systems and data, SAP Cloud IAG simplifies administration and reduces the risk of errors or omissions.
• Increased Productivity: By automating manual processes and providing self-service tools, SAP Cloud IAG can help organizations to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Cloud-Based: As a cloud-based solution, SAP Cloud IAG is easily scalable and enables organizations to manage their access control processes from anywhere.

Conclusion

SAP Cloud Identity Access Governance (IAG) is a powerful solution for managing identity and access in an organization. With its range of features and benefits, SAP Cloud IAG helps organizations improve their security, streamline compliance, and reduce costs. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, SAP Cloud IAG is a valuable tool for managing access to your critical business applications and data. With the updated information, it is important to note that SAP Cloud IAG is now part of the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), which provides a comprehensive set of tools and services for businesses to accelerate their digital transformation journey.

In this series of articles , we will explore the key features and benefits of SAP Cloud IAG, provide best practices for implementation and customization, showcase real-world case studies of successful implementations, and introduce the SAP Cloud IAG Bridge, amongst many more things.

Each article in this series will provide valuable insights and guidance for organizations looking to implement or optimize their identity access governance strategy using SAP Cloud IAG. Additionally, the blog series will be supported with live webinars, where our experts will dive deeper into the topic, answer questions, and provide additional guidance.

This is the first article in series of articles on SAP Cloud IAG. The subsequent articles will offer useful tips for effective execution and personalization, along with successful real-life examples of deployment, including a closer look at the SAP Cloud IAG Bridge, and much more. Every piece in this series will serve as a rich resource for businesses considering or looking to enhance their identity access governance plan with SAP Cloud IAG. The series will also be complemented by interactive webinars. During these sessions, our specialists will dig further into the matter, respond to queries, and deliver supplementary advice.