The Role of IAM in Canada’s Digital Ambition

At the heart of every online interaction is Identity and Access Management (IAM), which authenticates who we are, controls what we can access, and safeguards our digital lives. It is the bedrock upon which trust is built in an increasingly interconnected world.

In 2022, the Government of Canada announced an ambitious plan to redefine its digital future,. This "Digital Ambition" aims to provide a seamless, secure, and profoundly citizen-centric online experience, promising greater efficiency, enhanced services, and robust data protection for both public and private sectors. But what does it take to make secure, unified access truly possible?

In this blog, we'll explore the direct alignment between Canada's national digital objectives and the powerful capabilities of modern IAM.

Canada's Digital Ambition 

To achieve their Digital Ambition, the Government of Canada has identified four target outcomes, which they will use to measure the effectiveness of their efforts:

1. Services are user-centric, trusted and accessible
2. Data and information are foundational to service delivery and informed decision-making
3. Technology empowers innovation, efficiency and security
4. The workforce is digitally savvy and adaptable to the digital landscape

Let’s look at how IAM works to help organizations achieve Canada’s digital ambition. 

Outcome 1: Services are user-centric, trusted and accessible

Canadian citizens expect convenient and secure digital interactions. This goal means that all government services, whether online or offline, should be designed with the individual Canadian in mind, making them easy to use, inclusive, and available to everyone. 

Modern IAM solutions streamline the user experience by enabling single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all government applications, making services easier and more secure for Canadians to access. Robust identity verification ensures only authorized individuals can access specific services and data, building public trust.

Outcome 2: Data and information are foundational to service delivery and informed decision-making

The Government of Canada recognizes that accurate, timely, and well-governed data is essential for understanding citizen needs, measuring program effectiveness, and safeguarding privacy for all Canadians. This goal focuses on treating government data and information as strategic assets, ensuring they are properly managed, utilized, and shared, improving how services are delivered and supporting better policy decisions. 

Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) capabilities establish a strong framework for managing user access to sensitive government data and information, ensuring need-based access to data and providing comprehensive audit trails and reporting for better compliance, risk management, and decision-making.

Outcome 3: Technology empowers innovation, efficiency and security

Technology is a critical enabler for agile governance, empowering the delivery of more responsive services and protecting against evolving cyber threats. This goal focuses on leveraging modern technologies to enhance the way government operates, driving innovation in public services and bolstering the security of digital systems and data. 

Robust Privileged Access Management (PAM) and comprehensive Managed Services proactively secure critical IT infrastructure and the administrative accounts that drive government technology. Controlling and monitoring privileged access with modern IAM is fundamental to fostering a secure, scalable environment for innovation. 

Outcome 4: The workforce is digitally savvy and adaptable to the digital landscape

A skilled and adaptable public service is the backbone of successful digital transformation and ensuring that Canada remains competitive in a rapidly changing global digital economy. This goal is about cultivating a government workforce that possesses the necessary digital skills to adapt quickly to new technologies and evolving digital demands. 

Comprehensive IAM strategies simplify the management of digital identities for government employees. By providing streamlined, secure access to necessary resources and applications, these capabilities empower a digitally savvy workforce to collaborate effectively and adapt to evolving digital environments. 

Securing Canada's Digital Future with IAM Solutions

Achieving Canada's vision for a secure, efficient, and innovative digital future requires a robust IAM security framework. Let’s look at how each tool in the IAM toolbox plays a role in Canada’s digital ambition. 

Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM)

CIAM creates a unified digital identity for customers, enabling seamless and trustworthy online experiences.

• Enables easy registration and single sign-on (SSO).
• Reduces friction and boosts convenience for users.
• Builds public trust in digital interactions.

Workforce Identity and Access Management (WIAM)

Workforce IAM ensures secure and efficient access for an organization's employees, streamlining internal operations.

• Automates access provisioning and deprovisioning.
• Enforces the principle of least privilege.
• Fortifies the security of internal systems and data.

Identity Governance and Administration (IGA)

IGA maintains control and compliance by automating and overseeing "who has access to what, and why."

• Utilizes policies, access reviews, and audit trails for continuous governance.
• Ensures adherence to regulations and reduces risk.
• Improves transparency in access decisions.

Privileged Access Management (PAM)

PAM specifically secures highly sensitive accounts and systems whose compromise could lead to catastrophic breaches.

• Strictly manages and monitors access for administrators and critical users.
• Acts as a vital defense against insider threats.
• Bolsters overall cybersecurity.

Access Management (AM)

Beyond verifying identity, Access Management controls what authenticated users can do.

• Secures access with technologies like Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
• Ensures seamless yet secure access to authorized services.
• Adapts access decisions based on risk.

Managed Services

Managed IAM services allow organizations to leverage specialized external expertise for complex identity systems.

• Offloads operational burdens from internal teams.
• Provides access to cutting-edge skills and best practices.
• Frees up internal resources for core strategic initiatives.

Identity Security as a Service (ISaaS)

ISaaS provides a comprehensive suite of identity security capabilities via a cloud-based model.

• Accelerates the adoption of leading-edge security measures.
• Reduces complexity and high capital expenditure.
• Enhances security, scalability, and agility.

KeyData Cyber – Your Trusted Partner in Canada's Digital Ambition

Canada's Digital Ambition cannot be fully realized without robust Identity and Access Management. By strategically implementing and integrating identity security measures, Canada can build a secure and compliant digital future that is incredibly efficient, innovative, and deeply trusted by its citizens and organizations alike.

As an experienced IAM solutions integrator with over 20 years of dedicated focus in the field, KeyData Cyber brings a wealth of deep expertise in designing, implementing, and managing complex identity ecosystems. To learn more about how we can help your organization build a truly trusted and innovative digital ecosystem that is secure, scalable, and future-ready, contact us to schedule a comprehensive assessment.