Improving IGA with a modern security architecture for a Top Ranking University.

A major North American university faced significant challenges in managing its Identity and Access Management (IAM) program due to limited governance, fragmented processes across business units, and a homegrown solution that no longer met their growing needs. Without in-house expertise to guide implementation and with inadequate integration of lifecycle management tools, the university required a comprehensive strategy to modernize their IAM environment. KeyData Cyber was engaged to deliver an IAM assessment, develop a multi-year roadmap, and evaluate leading IAM technologies, empowering the university with the insights and tools needed to achieve a unified, scalable, and future-ready IAM program.

Highlights

Challenge

A major North American university faced critical challenges in managing its Identity and Access Management (IAM) program. Governance was limited, with IAM processes fragmented across various business units, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in identity lifecycle management. The university relied on a homegrown IAM solution that had become increasingly inadequate in addressing their growing operational and compliance needs.

Compounding the problem was a lack of in-house expertise to guide the implementation of modern IAM practices, leaving the institution without a clear path to modernization. Their lifecycle management tools were poorly integrated, resulting in gaps in automation, inefficiencies in user provisioning, and difficulties in maintaining a secure and seamless user experience. Additionally, the university lacked adequate guidance to maximize the potential of their Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) platform, further hampering their ability to scale and innovate.

These challenges underscored the need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to revamp their IAM program, address vulnerabilities, and lay the groundwork for a unified, scalable, and secure identity management framework.

Solution

We were engaged by the University to conduct an IAM Assessment, develop a multi-year IAM Roadmap, and conduct a Technology Market Scan of leading IAM vendors suited for the University. We empowered the University to make informed decisions about their IAM strategy through a comprehensive approach that encompassed:

• Current State Analysis: We assessed the University's current state of IAM, identifying pain points and priorities.
• Requirements Gathering: We conducted interviews to uncover business and technical requirements across the University.
• Target State Vision: We developed a Target State Architecture aligned with the client's future state IAM vision.
• Strategic Roadmap: We developed a multi-year IAM Roadmap to guide the University towards their goals.
• Technology Landscape Assessment: We conducted a Technology Market Scan to compare IGA and Access Management technologies.
• Vendor Evaluation: We facilitated a comparative evaluation of leading IGA vendors based on the University's needs.

Outcomes

We developed a multi-year enterprise roadmap to guide our client through the implementation of a modern, scalable IAM solution.

• Strategic Direction: We developed a multi-year enterprise roadmap to guide the University through the implementation of a modern, scalable IAM solution.
• Risk Mitigation: We identified vulnerabilities in the institution's existing processes, enabling proactive risk management.
• Unified Vision: We fostered a unified target state IAM vision across the University, ensuring alignment and collaboration.
• Cost Optimization: We identified potential future cost savings and operational improvements through optimized IAM practices.
• Informed Decision-Making: We evaluated IGA technologies suited to the client's unique requirements, empowering them to make informed choices.

Through a comprehensive assessment and strategic roadmap development, KeyData Cyber empowered the university to transform its IAM environment. The multi-year enterprise roadmap provided clear strategic direction, enabling the institution to implement a modern, scalable IAM solution tailored to their needs. By identifying vulnerabilities in their existing processes, we helped mitigate risks and establish a more secure framework for managing identities.

We fostered a unified vision for the university's future-state IAM program, ensuring alignment across business units and promoting collaboration. Additionally, optimized IAM practices highlighted opportunities for significant cost savings and operational improvements. With a detailed evaluation of leading IGA technologies, the university was equipped to make informed decisions, setting a strong foundation for long-term success.

Contact us today to start transforming your identity management strategy.