In a merger or acquisition, Identity and Access Management (IAM) becomes a crucial area of focus to ensure a smooth transition and integration of IT systems, applications, and user accounts. Some of the key areas of focus from an IAM perspective in a merger or acquisition include:

Identity consolidation

The first step is to consolidate identities from both organizations into a single IAM system. This includes mapping and merging user accounts, groups, roles, and permissions to eliminate any duplications or conflicts.

Access management

Once the identities are consolidated, the next step is to ensure that users have the appropriate access to the resources they need to perform their job functions. This includes reviewing and updating access rights, entitlements, and permissions to ensure that they align with the new organization’s policies and procedures.

Provisioning and deprovisioning

IAM systems should be used to automate the process of provisioning and deprovisioning user accounts and access rights. This includes creating and disabling accounts, granting and revoking permissions, and monitoring user activity to identify any suspicious behavior.

Single sign-on

Implementing a single sign-on (SSO) solution can simplify the login process for users and reduce the risk of credential theft. This also helps to ensure that users have access to the applications and resources they need, regardless of the organization’s structure.

Risk management

IAM systems can help to identify and manage risks associated with the merger or acquisition. This includes monitoring user activity and detecting any abnormal behavior, ensuring compliance with regulations and policies, and protecting sensitive data.

Training and awareness

Employees should be trained on the new IAM policies and procedures to ensure that they understand their roles and responsibilities. This includes providing guidance on password management, data security, and other security best practices.

Overall, a successful IAM integration can help to reduce the risk of security breaches, streamline access management processes, and ensure a smooth transition for users during a merger or acquisition.

Phased approach

When it comes to Identity and Access Management (IAM) in a merger or acquisition scenario, there are several areas of focus that need to be considered. These areas of focus can be broken down into three main phases: collaboration, application access, and full network integration.

1
Collaboration Phase

During the collaboration phase, the focus is on bringing the two organizations together and establishing a collaborative environment. This phase involves establishing a common communication platform, shared policies, and procedures. Some of the areas of focus during this phase include:

  • Identity Mapping: Establishing a common identity framework that maps the identity and access controls between the two organizations.
  • Data Analysis: Conducting a thorough data analysis to identify any potential risks and vulnerabilities in the existing systems.
  • Policy Review: Reviewing and consolidating existing IAM policies and procedures from both organizations to establish a common set of policies.
  • Communication Platform: Setting up a communication platform to facilitate collaboration and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
2
Application Access Phase

The application access phase is focused on ensuring that users have access to the applications and data they need to do their jobs. Some of the areas of focus during this phase include:

  • Access Management: Establishing an access management system that allows for the efficient and secure management of access rights across the organization.
  • User Provisioning: Setting up a user provisioning system to ensure that users have the appropriate access to applications and data.
  • Role Mapping: Mapping roles and permissions across the two organizations to identify gaps and ensure that all necessary access rights are in place.
  • Identity Federation: Establishing identity federation to enable seamless authentication and authorization between the two organizations.
3
Full Network Integration Phase

The full network integration phase is focused on integrating the two organizations’ networks into a single network environment. Some of the areas of focus during this phase include:

  • Network Infrastructure: Ensuring that the network infrastructure is capable of supporting the merged organization’s needs.
  • Access Control: Establishing access control mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users and devices have access to the network.
  • Authentication and Authorization: Ensuring that authentication and authorization mechanisms are in place and working correctly to ensure that users and devices have the appropriate access to network resources.
  • Network Segmentation: Segmenting the network to ensure that access is limited to only those areas necessary for each user’s job responsibilities.

In summary, IAM in a merger or acquisition scenario requires a phased approach that starts with collaboration and moves on to application access and full network integration. By focusing on these three areas of focus, organizations can ensure that the merged organization has a secure and efficient IAM system in place.

Detailed tooling:

When it comes to Identity and Access Management (IAM) in the context of a merger or acquisition, a phased approach is often the most practical way to proceed. Here are some areas of focus for each phase:

Phase One: Enable Collaboration using specific tools like Azure AD and Sharepoint

  1. Establish a governance framework: Before starting any implementation, you need to establish a governance framework that defines roles and responsibilities, processes, and policies for managing identities, access, and data.
  2. Assess identity sources: Determine which identity sources are being used by each organization and which ones will be used going forward. This assessment should cover not only user accounts but also service accounts, application accounts, and non-human identities.
  3. Consolidate identities: In this phase, you should create a central identity repository that includes all relevant identities. You may also need to merge or reconcile duplicate or conflicting accounts.
  4. Implement single sign-on (SSO): Implementing SSO will allow users to access multiple applications and systems using a single set of credentials. This can improve user experience and simplify administration.
  5. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA can provide an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional credentials, such as a token or biometric information, in addition to their password.
  6. Implement access control policies: Establish access control policies to ensure that users have appropriate access to the resources they need and are restricted from accessing those they don’t.

Phase Two: Application Access using tools like Citrix

  1. Identify critical applications: Identify the critical applications used by each organization and determine which ones will be used going forward.
  2. Assess application access: Determine who needs access to each application and what level of access is required.
  3. Implement application access control: Implement access control mechanisms, such as role-based access control (RBAC), to ensure that users have appropriate access to the applications they need.
  4. Implement privileged access management (PAM): Implement PAM solutions to manage privileged accounts and ensure that access to critical resources is tightly controlled.

Phase Three: Full Network Integration by connecting networks and merging Active Directory

  1. Network integration: Connect the networks of the two organizations to enable seamless communication and collaboration.
    Full Detail:

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is an essential component of any merger or acquisition. A well-executed IAM strategy can help ensure the smooth integration of systems, applications, and data across the combined enterprise. The following are the areas of focus for a phased approach to IAM in a merger or acquisition scenario.

Phase One: Collaboration using Azure AD and SharePoint The first phase of IAM in a merger or acquisition is to enable collaboration using specific tools like Azure AD and SharePoint. In this phase, the focus is on enabling secure access to shared resources such as documents, calendars, and email. Key activities include:

  1. Assessing the IAM maturity of both organizations
  2. Identifying the common authentication mechanisms and creating a plan for integration
  3. Establishing trust between the two organizations by configuring federation or synchronization between Azure AD instances
  4. Providing access to SharePoint resources to the users of both organizations by configuring appropriate permissions
  5. Developing and implementing policies for access and sharing of resources

Phase Two: Application Access using Citrix The second phase of IAM in a merger or acquisition is to enable access to enterprise applications using tools like Citrix. In this phase, the focus is on providing secure access to critical applications that may be hosted on-premises or in the cloud. Key activities include:

  1. Identifying the critical applications that need to be accessed by the users of both organizations
  2. Creating a plan for integrating access to these applications, which may include provisioning user accounts, creating application roles, and setting up access policies
  3. Configuring Citrix to provide secure access to applications using single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  4. Implementing policies for access and authorization of applications

Phase Three: Full Network Integration by Connecting Networks and Merging Active Directory The third and final phase of IAM in a merger or acquisition is to fully integrate the networks and Active Directory of the two organizations. In this phase, the focus is on providing seamless access to resources across the combined enterprise. Key activities include:

  1. Assessing the network and Active Directory infrastructure of both organizations
  2. Creating a plan for integrating the networks and Active Directory, which may include domain migration, directory synchronization, and identity consolidation
  3. Establishing a trust relationship between the two Active Directory domains to enable secure access to resources
  4. Implementing policies for access control and authorization across the combined enterprise

In conclusion, a phased approach to IAM in a merger or acquisition can help ensure a smooth integration of systems, applications, and data across the combined enterprise. By focusing on collaboration tools, application access, and full network integration, organizations can enable secure access to resources and data, thereby supporting the business objectives of the merger or acquisition.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to receive latest news, updates, promotions, and special offers delivered directly to your inbox.
No, thanks