Introduction

In today's interconnected enterprise, Digital Identity and Access Management (IAM) stands as the bedrock of cybersecurity, ensuring that the right individuals have the right access to the right resources at the right time. However, the inherent complexities of managing diverse user identities, integrating with multiple systems, and navigating ever-evolving threats make IAM a critical audit area often fraught with challenges. This essential training course focuses on Digital Identity and Access Management (IAM) Audit, equipping professionals with the critical knowledge and practical methodologies to thoroughly assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and security of IAM systems and processes. You will learn to identify vulnerabilities in user provisioning, authentication, authorization, and de-provisioning, thereby strengthening an organization's overall security posture and ensuring regulatory compliance in an increasingly digital world.

This intensive training course delves into the intricate components of a robust IAM framework, including user lifecycle management, authentication mechanisms (e.g., MFA, SSO), authorization policies (e.g., RBAC, ABAC), and privileged access management (PAM). We will explore various audit methodologies specifically tailored for IAM environments, covering both technical configurations and process controls. Participants will gain hands-on experience in evaluating IAM risks, performing access reviews, assessing the implementation of least privilege principles, and reporting on control deficiencies. By the end of this training course, you will possess the expertise to confidently conduct IAM audit engagements, providing invaluable assurance that your organization's digital identities are securely managed and its critical assets are protected from unauthorized access.

Target Audience

• Internal Auditors
• IT Auditors
• Cybersecurity Analysts
• Compliance Officers
• Risk Management Professionals
• Identity and Access Management Specialists
• Information Security Managers
• System Administrators

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of Digital Identity and Access Management (IAM) and its importance.
• Learn about the key components of a comprehensive IAM framework.
• Master methodologies for assessing IAM governance, policies, and procedures.
• Develop skills in auditing user identity lifecycle management (provisioning, de-provisioning).
• Understand best practices for auditing authentication mechanisms (e.g., MFA, SSO, password policies).
• Learn about techniques for auditing authorization controls (e.g., RBAC, ABAC, least privilege).
• Explore best practices for auditing Privileged Access Management (PAM)
• Master techniques for performing access reviews and identifying dormant or excessive privileges.
• Understand the common IAM risks and control weaknesses.
• Learn about the regulatory and compliance requirements impacting IAM audits.
• Apply practical Digital Identity and Access Management (IAM) audit strategies to real-world scenarios.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Digital Identity and Access Management (IAM)

• Defining Digital Identity and Access Management (IAM) and its strategic role.
• Exploring the core components of IAM: identity governance, authentication, authorization, user lifecycle.
• Understanding the critical importance of IAM in cybersecurity and risk management.
• Overview of common IAM challenges and how effective audits address them.
• The evolving landscape of digital identities.

Module 2: IAM Governance and Policy Audit

• Learning the essential elements of an effective IAM governance framework.
• Mastering methodologies for auditing IAM policies, standards, and procedures.
• Assessing the alignment of IAM strategy with organizational objectives.
• Reviewing roles, responsibilities, and accountability for IAM.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of communication and training on IAM policies.

Module 3: User Lifecycle Management Audit

• Understanding the processes of user provisioning (onboarding and access granting).
• Learning techniques for auditing user de-provisioning (offboarding and access revocation).
• Assessing automated versus manual processes in the user lifecycle.
• Identifying risks related to orphaned accounts, ghost accounts, and timely access removal.
• Ensuring data integrity throughout the identity lifecycle.

Module 4: Authentication Mechanism Audit

• Mastering techniques for auditing various authentication methods (e.g., passwords, MFA, biometrics).
• Evaluating the strength and complexity of password policies.
• Assessing the implementation and effectiveness of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
• Reviewing Single Sign-On (SSO) configurations and security.
• Auditing authentication logs for suspicious activities and failed attempts.

Module 5: Authorization and Access Control Audit

• Understanding different authorization models (e.g., Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)).
• Learning how to audit the principle of least privilege and segregation of duties.
• Techniques for reviewing access lists, groups, and permissions.
• Identifying excessive, unnecessary, or conflicting access rights.
• Assessing the design and effectiveness of access policies.

Module 6: Privileged Access Management (PAM) Audit

• Exploring the unique risks associated with privileged accounts.
• Mastering techniques for auditing Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions.
• Reviewing the controls over privileged credential management (e.g., vaults, rotation).
• Assessing session monitoring and recording for privileged users.
• Ensuring segregation of duties for PAM administrators.

Module 7: IAM Risk Reporting & Compliance

• Understanding common IAM audit findings and control deficiencies.
• Strategies for preparing clear, concise, and actionable IAM audit reports.
• Communicating IAM risks and recommendations to management.
• Learning about relevant regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, SOX, HIPAA) for IAM.
• The role of continuous monitoring and IAM maturity assessments.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.