Word of the Day: federated identity management (FIM)

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms |March 2, 2018

federated identity management (FIM) Federated identity management (FIM) is an arrangement that can be made among multiple enterprises to let subscribers use the same identification data to obtain access to the networks of all enterprises in the group. The use of such a system is sometimes called identity federation. Identity federation links a user's identity across multiple security domains, each supporting its own identity management system. When two domains are federated, the user can authenticate to one domain, and then access resources in the other domain without having to log in a second time. Identity federation offers economic advantages, as well as convenience, to enterprises and their network subscribers. For example, multiple corporations can share a single application, with resultant cost savings and consolidation of resources. Single sign-on (SSO) is an important component of identity federation, but it is not the same as identity federation. In order for FIM to be effective, the partners must have a sense of mutual trust. Authorization messages among partners in an FIM system can be transmitted using Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) or a similar XML standard that allows a user to log on once for affiliated but separate Web sites or networks. Quote of the Day "With identity federation, administrators don't have to contend with many of the issues that come with balancing multi-domain access." - Robert Sheldon   Trending Terms onboarding and offboarding identity management identity and access management Active Directory Federation Services single sign-on AWS Security Token Service   Learning Center Explore the pros and cons of identity federation management Identity federation management makes end users happy, but it can be complicated for IT teams. A thoughtful plan can ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. How to deal with Identity and access management systems Learn how an identity and access management system can help secure the enterprise even in this age of complex technological advances. Identity and access management strategy: Time to modernize? Security expert Michael Cobb outlines why the identity and access management strategy of many firms might be due for updating and explains how to get started. 'Federated' identity and access management tools Get expert guidance on ways to employ Active Directory Federation Services and AD Connector as identity and access management tools in the cloud. Set up an identity and access management system for public cloud An identity and access management system is critical to any cloud security strategy. Know what your provider offers, and create user groups carefully. Writing for Business The credit union website uses?two-factor authentication to protect _____ members. a. their b. its Answer   Stay In Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com   Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed!   FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2018 TechTarget. All rights reserved.