How Automated Provisioning, SCIM & SAML Support SOC2 & ISO27001 Compliance

Compliance with internationally recognized standards such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2 is often seen as the gold standard for information security management. However, achieving and maintaining these certifications can be resource-intensive, prompting Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to seek cost-effective alternatives that do not compromise on security or usability. SCIM and SMAL can help to comply with ISO 27001 and SOC 2. However this can come at a significant cost so CISOs CIOs might like to look for alternatives to have a safe system that is still fairly easy to use and does not break the bank.

Here’s an overview of the three technologies behind. Feel free to skip this part if you already know them well:

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a user authentication service allowing the use of one set of login credentials to access multiple applications, eliminating the need to remember multiple passwords and reducing the risk of password theft.

System for Cross-domain Identity Management (SCIM) is a protocol for the automated provisioning and deprovisioning of user identities across different systems and applications. This can save organizations time and resources by eliminating the need for them to manually manage user identities and accesses in each system. By automatically changing a user's profiles and privileges to reflect status changes, SCIM ensures data is protected and least privilege access is enforced. For example, an employee leaves a company which triggers an off-boarding so SCIM is used to auto-deprovision the user so they no longer have rights to access apps and data. SCIM is also important for the overall access governance.

Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is an XML-based standard allowing for authentication and authorization data to be exchanged between different systems. SAML allows access to an application only if the user correctly authenticates themselves. This can be used to implement SSO, as well as other security features like multi-factor authentication.

Compliance with SCIM and SAML

Complying with certifications like ISO 27001 or SOC 2 help IT teams to enhance security by systematically controlling and managing who has access to what, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. Additionally, it helps protect the organization's reputation. In the event of a security breach, effective access control management minimizes potential penalties and negative PR impacts. In the European market, ISO 27001 is widely recognised as certification. ISO can be a door opener to sell to more traditional companies. SOC 2 on the other hand is a common information security certification in the US and UK market. Especially larger and more established, companies prefer to buy from vendors that have at least one certification.

Here are a few examples where SCIM and SAML help with SOC2 and ISO 27001 compliance:

• ISO27001 identity and access management (IAM) is a critical function of ISO 27001. SCIM ensures the confidentiality and privacy of sensitive data by enforcing least privileged access.
• SCIM helps with auditability and visibility, providing evidence of compliance with access to sensitive data.
• ISO27001 requires that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information. SAML enforces access controls using robust authentication and authorization.
• SOC2 requires that data and systems be protected against unauthorized access. SAML enforces robust authentication to ensure access is authorized.
• SCIM provisioning ensures that the right people access the right data from the right device.

Alternative to SCIM

Especially small and mid-size organisation with only a few hundreds users are often seen to struggle using SCIM and SAML in an efficient manner. Corma provides compliance on your access control: Generate audit-ready PDF/CSV reports to provide a detailed overview of request logs, removal of access and existing permissions. Those reports are up to date with the latest data - goodbye to outdated access spreadsheets that are manually maintained.

‍With Corma you can navigate access requests, delegate them for review to managers, and send notifications to ensure prompt completion of provisioning and deprovisioning, while enforcing least priviledge.

‍

Q&A

Q: What are key technologies for enhancing security and access management?

A:Single Sign-On (SSO), System for Cross-domain Identity Management (SCIM), and Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) are key technologies to secure and IT setup and achieve SOC 2 or ISO 27001 compliance.

Q:What are the best identity and access management (IAM) technologies for SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance?

A:SSO (Single Sign-On), SCIM (System for Cross-domain Identity Management), and SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) are core IAM technologies that help secure IT environments, enforce least privilege, and meet SOC 2 and ISO 27001 access control requirements.

Q: What alternative solution is suggested for small and mid-sized organizations struggling with SCIM and SAML?

A: Corma is an alternative that helps manage access requests, generate audit reports, and enforce least privilege access efficiently.