Machine Identity & Access Management

Machine IAM represents the least mature part of most organization’s IAM programs. However, machines are also the fastest-growing group and pose a considerable risk in terms of identity-related threats. Machine identities must be well-understood, to enable the transition from static service accounts to dynamic service identities, which offer enhanced security and scalability and are easier to manage.

A machine IAM program must ensure that identities are properly provisioned, monitored and controlled, and that their credentials are properly secured. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access, enhances overall security and compliance, and enables efficient, effective digital/IT service delivery.

• Investigate your organization’s machine identity use cases in both on-premises and cloud environments by creating a working group. The primary goal of the working group is to define the scope and framework for machine IAM and to spearhead the assessment and discovery process.
• Establish a machine IAM strategy within the overall IAM program. Integrating a machine IAM strategy within the broader IAM program ensures that machine identity management aligns with the organization’s overall security and identity management objectives, maintaining consistency across all identity management initiatives.
• Determine the current toolsets that contain machine IAM solutions, then integrate the required machine IAM capabilities into the overall strategy and architecture. As machine identity solutions rapidly evolve, both emerging startups and established providers are enhancing their offerings with advanced IAM capabilities.

Need more guidance on machine IAM? We're discussing the latest insights on emerging IAM topics at Gartner Identity & Access Management Summit 2025, happening December 8 – 10, in Grapevine, TX.