Getting Started with SailPoint: SailPoint for Beginners

• May 08 2024

Getting Started with SailPoint: SailPoint for Beginners

Feeling lost in the world of identity security? Don't worry, this blog is your roadmap to navigating SailPoint, a leading identity management solution. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will equip you with the essentials.

What is SailPoint?

SailPoint is an identity access management system that has a flexible set-up mode. It may be set up on-premises in an organization, in a data centre, or in the cloud. Employees can access apps and systems stored on-premise, in a data centre face-to-face, or in the cloud. SailPoint serves to secure user access to the company's data, software, and applications. The app also performs as a password manager in the sense that it permits you and your staff to update or reset passwords quickly. Security protocols can be implemented using SailPoint. You can block entrance breaches using capabilities like identity governance, automatic user provisioning, and compliance control.

What is Identity and Access Management?

Identity and Access Management is a framework of technologies, policies, and processes to facilitate the management of electronic and digital identities. When you have installed an IAM framework, as an information technology (IT) manager, you can control user access to vital information within your organization. IAM includes single sign-on systems, two-factor as well as multi-factor authentication, as well as Privileged Access Management (PAM). The technologies employed in IAM enable organisations to securely store identity and profile data information as well as employ data governance functions that make sure only that data and information that is relevant and necessary is shared. IAM models can be deployed on-premises and may be present through a cloud-based subscription model, through a third-party vendor, or in the form of a hybrid arrangement.

Identity and Access Management Protocols

When you integrate highly critical applications with governance solutions, you get to manage your identity and security processes more efficiently and effectively.  Identity management protocols enable the system that stores the digital identities (or identity providers) to send users' credentials to the service provider for due authentication and authorization before permitting the user to access the assigned level within the system.

Currently, there is an entire range of standard identity management protocols based on the type of assets that need to be authenticated. For example, they may be either by operating systems or web assets. Here is a list of the eight commonest ones in the market –

1. LDAP – Lightweight Directory Access Protocol

2. SAML – Security Assertion Markup Language

3. SCIM – System for Cross-domain Identity Management 

4. OAuth – An open standards identity management protocol

5. OpenID – Open-standard, decentralised authentication protocol

6. XACML – eXtensible Access Control Markup Language

7. RADIUS – Remote Authentication Dail-up User Service

8. Kerberos – Default authentication protocol in Microsoft Windows

What is SailPoint Used For?

SailPoint is a company that enables organizations to discover, manage, and secure access to all kinds of identity types across the various levels of the organization 24 x 7. It has a range of products that connect your IT resources with the latest AI-driven identity security solutions while seamlessly integrating all your existing business processes and apps. SailPoint enables you to "put identity at the centre of your security framework".

Start Your SailPoint Journey Now! with Secapps Learning's Self-paced/Instructor-led training

Key Features of SailPoint

A leading identity management platform, SailPoint is known for its robust features designed to help organizations manage and secure user identities and access to resources effectively. Some key features of SailPoint include:

1. Identity Governance: SailPoint provides centralized visibility and control over user identities and access rights across the enterprise. It allows organizations to define and enforce identity-related policies, automate identity lifecycle management processes, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
    
2. Identity Lifecycle Management: SailPoint enables organizations to automate the provisioning, de-provisioning, and management of user accounts and access privileges throughout the user lifecycle. This includes onboarding, role changes, transfers, and offboarding processes.
    
3. Access Certification: SailPoint offers capabilities for access certification and attestation, allowing organizations to regularly review and validate user access rights to ensure they align with business policies and regulations. This helps in reducing the risk of unauthorised access and ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements.
    
4. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): SailPoint supports role-based access control, allowing organizations to define and manage roles that correspond to specific job functions or responsibilities within the organization. This simplifies access management by assigning and revoking access based on users' roles rather than individual permissions.
    
5. Identity Analytics: SailPoint incorporates advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities to detect and mitigate identity-related risks, such as access anomalies, segregation of duties (SoD) violations, and suspicious user behaviour. This helps organizations identify and address security threats and compliance issues proactively.
    
6. Privileged Access Management (PAM) Integration: SailPoint integrates with privileged access management solutions to extend identity governance controls to privileged accounts and credentials. This ensures that privileged access is managed and monitored effectively to prevent misuse and security breaches.
    
7. Cloud Identity Management: SailPoint offers capabilities for managing identities and access across on-premises and cloud environments, including support for popular cloud platforms and SaaS applications. This enables organizations to maintain consistent identity governance policies and controls regardless of where resources are located.
    
8. User-Friendly Interface: SailPoint provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for administrators and end-users, making it easier to manage identities, access requests, and certifications efficiently. It offers customizable dashboards, reports, and workflows to meet the specific requirements of different organizations and user roles.

In this way, SailPoint's comprehensive identity management capabilities help organizations strengthen security, improve compliance, and streamline access management processes across their IT infrastructure.

Also read: Ultimate Guide to CyberArk and SailPoint Integration

Benefits of Using SailPoint

SailPoint's identity security solutions benefit users in several ways. Here are the key takeaways –

1. Mitigating Cyber Risk – Rest easy by mitigating cyber risk with identity security.

2. Embracing Zero Trust – Your risks are minimized using a Zero Trust strategy.

3. Accelerating Onboarding and Offboarding – Enable your workers to remain empowered with the right access from Day 1 of work.

4. Securing and Enabling Work from Anywhere – Let your workforce remain secure wherever they are operating.

5. Compliance maintenance – AI-driven strategy ensures simplified compliance maintenance.

6. Improved IT efficiency – AI-driven automation and insights enhance IT efficiency.

SailPoint's identity security solutions can be used across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, government, financial services, and more. The solutions are devised for stringent, complex, and regulated environments.

Why Secapps Learning Is The Best Place To Learn Sailpoint Online

As a beginner, you need a clear and concise learning path. Secapps Learning provides just that. Here's how they can help you conquer SailPoint:

Structured Learning Paths: Forget overwhelming information overload. Secapps Learning offers structured courses designed specifically for beginners. These courses break down SailPoint concepts into easy-to-understand modules, ensuring you grasp the fundamentals before diving deeper.

Expert-Led Instruction: Learn from seasoned professionals who understand the intricacies of SailPoint. Secapps Learning's instructors have real-world experience, allowing them to translate complex topics into practical knowledge.

Flexible Learning Options: Life is busy. Secapps Learning provides a variety of learning formats to fit your schedule. Choose from self-paced online modules, live interactive sessions, or a blended approach that combines both.

Focus on Practical Application: Knowledge is power, but practical application is key. Secapps Learning focuses on real-world scenarios, equipping you with the skills to confidently apply your SailPoint knowledge in a professional setting.