Sarcouncil Journal of Engineering and Computer Sciences

Abstract: This article examines the pivotal role of Identity and Access Management (IAM) in contemporary enterprise security architectures amid escalating cybersecurity challenges. As organizations embrace cloud migration, remote work models, and expanding digital supply chains, traditional security perimeters have dissolved, positioning identity as the new security boundary. The article explores how IAM systems—comprising identity management, authentication mechanisms, authorization protocols, and auditing capabilities—serve as foundational elements for implementing Zero Trust security models through continuous authentication, contextual authorization, fine-grained access control, and privileged access management. It further investigates the complex regulatory landscape governing identity management across sectors and jurisdictions, highlighting how organizations must navigate compliance requirements while maintaining operational efficiency. Despite IAM's critical importance, implementation challenges persist across technical, operational, and cultural dimensions, including legacy system integration, user experience considerations, organizational structures, skill gaps, scalability requirements, cost management, and change management. The article concludes that effective IAM implementation requires organizations to view identity governance not merely as a technical solution but as a strategic security enabler that aligns with business objectives and comprehensive risk management frameworks.