Skip to content

Mastering the cybersecurity domain in 2025

Discover how to future-proof your organization’s cybersecurity in 2025. This free guide from 6clicks explores core security domains, regulatory frameworks, and how to integrate GRC for scalable, resilient, and audit-ready programs. Essential reading for CISOs, risk managers, and compliance leaders.

Group 193 (1)-1

Mastering the cybersecurity domain in 2025


What is the role of identity and access management (IAM) in modern cybersecurity?

TL;DR: Identity and access management (IAM) is a cornerstone of cybersecurity, ensuring that only the right people have the right access to the right resources—at the right time.

As outlined in the 6clicks expert guide Mastering the Cybersecurity Domain in 2025, IAM is one of the eight core domains of cybersecurity. In today’s environment—characterized by hybrid work, cloud adoption, and increased insider risk—IAM plays a pivotal role in protecting digital assets and enforcing security policies at scale.

IAM governs how identities are created, verified, managed, and retired, and how access to systems and data is authorized and monitored. It's essential for maintaining control over who can do what inside an organization’s infrastructure.

Key IAM capabilities include:

  • Authentication
    Validates user identities using passwords, biometrics, or multi-factor authentication (MFA).

  • Authorization
    Controls what authenticated users are allowed to access, based on roles or attributes (RBAC/ABAC).

  • Access lifecycle management
    Ensures that users only have access when needed, and that access is revoked when no longer appropriate.

  • Identity federation and SSO
    Enables secure access across multiple systems and platforms without requiring multiple credentials.

  • Privileged access management (PAM)
    Applies stricter controls for admin and high-risk accounts to prevent misuse or abuse.

Why IAM matters more than ever

IAM is at the front line of cybersecurity. Without effective identity governance, even well-funded security programs can be bypassed. As attackers increasingly exploit human error, misconfigured permissions, and compromised credentials, a strong IAM framework becomes the first layer of defense in a zero trust architecture.

IAM also plays a crucial role in:

  • Enforcing compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA

  • Supporting secure onboarding and offboarding of employees

  • Integrating third-party and contractor access without increasing risk

Struggling to secure user access across your systems and partners?
Book a demo with 6clicks today and see how our platform helps you implement IAM controls, enforce least privilege, and automate access governance as part of your broader cybersecurity and GRC strategy.

General thought leadership and news

Policy mapping smackdown: Hailey AI vs. Vanta

Policy mapping smackdown: Hailey AI vs. Vanta

With Vanta recently unveiling the Vanta AI Agent, the spotlight turns to how it stands against 6clicks’ Hailey AI in terms of delivering smarter,...

6clicks Hailey AI vs. Vanta AI Agent 

6clicks Hailey AI vs. Vanta AI Agent 

Vanta recently introduced the Vanta AI Agent, offering users enhanced automation to help streamline workflows and elevate their compliance programs....

Preventive controls in cybersecurity: Safeguard your business from digital threats

Preventive controls in cybersecurity: Safeguard your business from digital threats

In today’s increasingly complex threat landscape, waiting to react is no longer an option. Cybersecurity now demands a proactive, layered approach,...

Top 7 risk management challenges in 2025 and how to overcome them

Top 7 risk management challenges in 2025 and how to overcome them

In 2025, risk is no longer just a compliance issue. It's a core element of business strategy, affecting everything from revenue to reputation. For...

Essential foundations: Key objectives of information security your business must know

Essential foundations: Key objectives of information security your business must know

Information security isn’t just about firewalls and access controls anymore. For modern enterprises, it’s about enabling growth, protecting digital...

Mastering risk management: Essential strategies for effective risk identification

Mastering risk management: Essential strategies for effective risk identification

With today's advanced threat landscape, identifying risks early is more than just a compliance requirement. It's a crucial step in establishing a...