A framework of policies, processes, and technologies used to manage digital identities and control access to systems, data, and applications. ICAM ensures the right users and systems access the right resources at the right time and is foundational to Zero Trust and federal cybersecurity.
A broad term referring to the processes and technologies used to manage digital identities and control access to systems and data. IAM is often used interchangeably with ICAM in enterprise environments.
The process of verifying that a person or entity is who they claim to be before granting access. It establishes trust at the start of the identity lifecycle and is critical for preventing fraud and improper access.
The process of verifying a user’s identity using credentials such as passwords, tokens, or biometrics. Strong authentication ensures only verified users gain access to systems.
The process of determining what an authenticated user is allowed to do. Authorization enforces access policies and ensures users only interact with permitted data and systems.
A structured set of policies, rules, and technologies that define how access decisions are made across systems. It enables consistent, centralized enforcement of authorization policies based on identity, roles, and context.
A method of linking identity systems across organizations so users can access multiple systems using a single trusted identity. Federation enables secure collaboration across agencies, partners, and external users.
Standards such as SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect that enable secure identity exchange between systems. These protocols ensure interoperability across federal and partner environments.
A security model that requires continuous verification of users, devices, and access requests. Instead of assuming trust, Zero Trust relies on identity, context, and policy enforcement to reduce risk across distributed environments.
A security method requiring users to provide two or more verification factors, such as a password and a one-time code. MFA significantly reduces the risk of account compromise.
An access control model that uses attributes such as user role, device, location, and context to determine access decisions. ABAC enables more dynamic and fine-grained authorization.
An access control model where permissions are assigned based on predefined user roles. RBAC simplifies access management but is less flexible than attribute-based approaches.
The process of managing identities from creation through deactivation. This includes onboarding, access provisioning, updates, and deprovisioning to ensure consistent and secure access over time.
The removal of user access when it is no longer needed. Timely deprovisioning is critical to reducing insider threats and preventing unauthorized access.
The policies and processes that define how identities are managed, monitored, and controlled. Strong governance ensures compliance, accountability, and risk reduction.
A centralized layer that governs authentication, authorization, and access policies across systems. It enables consistent enforcement of security controls at enterprise scale.
Data generated from identity interactions such as logins, access requests, and authentication events. This telemetry supports monitoring, threat detection, and operational visibility.
The concept that identity systems are foundational to how digital services operate. At scale, identity supports security, performance, and user experience rather than acting as a standalone control.
The entry point for users accessing government services online. Identity systems power the digital front door by enabling secure and seamless access.
The practice of reducing fraud risk by strengthening identity proofing, authentication, and access controls. Preventing unauthorized access reduces downstream financial and operational impacts.
Digital identities assigned to systems, applications, APIs, or AI agents. Managing non-human identities is critical for securing automated and machine-to-machine interactions.
The framework of policies and controls used to ensure AI systems are safe, secure, and compliant. It includes oversight of data, models, and access to AI capabilities.
An AI attack where malicious inputs manipulate model behavior to expose sensitive data or bypass controls. It highlights the need for strong identity and access controls in AI systems.
An attack where training data is manipulated to alter model behavior. Preventing this requires strong data governance and controlled access to training environments.
A federal agency that develops cybersecurity, identity, and technology standards used across government. NIST guidelines form the foundation for secure system design and compliance.
A set of federal guidelines defining digital identity standards for identity proofing, authentication, and federation. It provides the baseline for secure and consistent identity practices across government.
A measure of confidence in a user’s identity based on identity proofing methods. Higher assurance levels are required for sensitive or high-risk transactions.
A measure of the strength of authentication methods used to verify identity. Stronger authentication mechanisms correspond to higher assurance levels.
A measure of the strength and security of federated identity transactions between systems. It ensures trust is maintained across organizational boundaries.
An entity that issues, manages, and validates digital credentials used for authentication. CSPs support identity proofing and secure access across systems.
A government-issued credential used to authenticate federal employees and contractors. PIV cards support secure access to systems and facilities.
Any information that can be used to identify an individual, such as name, Social Security number, or financial data. Protecting PII is a core requirement for federal systems.
A federal law requiring agencies to develop and maintain comprehensive information security programs to protect government systems and data.
A document that outlines a system’s security controls, architecture, and compliance posture. SSPs are required for federal systems under FISMA.
A formal document summarizing the results of a system’s security assessment, including identified risks and compliance status.
The process of evaluating a system’s security controls and granting approval to operate. Ensures systems meet federal security requirements.
A platform that aggregates and analyzes security data across systems to enable real-time monitoring, threat detection, and incident response.
A capability that uses analytics and behavioral monitoring to detect and prevent fraud in real time by identifying suspicious activity across systems.
A framework for evaluating, monitoring, and managing cybersecurity risks across systems to maintain a strong security posture.
A centralized system for capturing and storing security-related activity logs to support auditing, compliance, and investigations.
Capabilities or tools used to analyze vulnerabilities, assess threats, and evaluate security posture across systems.
A discipline that applies engineering practices to IT operations to ensure system reliability, scalability, and performance.
An IRS platform used to manage IT incidents, service requests, and operational workflows, improving visibility and coordination across systems.
A structured framework used by federal agencies to manage system development from planning through operations, ensuring compliance and alignment with mission needs.
A federal framework for managing IT investments and system development with a focus on performance, governance, and accountability.
The official source of IRS policies, procedures, and operational guidance.
The primary set of rules governing federal procurement processes, ensuring fairness, transparency, and consistency.
A cloud computing model that provides a platform for building and managing applications without maintaining underlying infrastructure.
A cloud delivery model where applications are hosted and accessed over the Internet.
A centralized function that governs cloud adoption, usage, and operations to ensure consistency, security, and cost control.
A framework used to improve organizational processes and performance through standardized best practices.
A modular enterprise identity framework used by the IRS to provide secure authentication, authorization, and federation at scale. SADI supports Zero Trust, fraud prevention, and digital service delivery across systems.
A technology services provider supporting federal agencies in cybersecurity, data, and digital transformation initiatives.
