The successor to AWS Single Sign On, AWS IAM Identity Center is used to centrally manage workforce access to multiple AWS accounts and applications. It helps users to securely create or connect workforce identities and manage their access centrally across AWS accounts and applications. AWS states that IAM Identity Center is the recommended approach for workforce authentication and authorization on AWS for organizations of any size and type.
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Zscaler Private Access
Score 8.9 out of 10
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Zscaler Private Access™ (ZPA) gives users secure access to private apps and OT devices while enabling zero trust connectivity for workloads.
IAM plays a pivotal role in our organization, addressing the unique needs of our diverse workforce, which includes full-time employees, part-timers, contractors, and client engineers who access our workloads. This multifaceted solution offers us unparalleled control over access, ensuring that each individual has precisely the permissions they need and nothing more. IAM's robust security features guarantee the protection of our valuable resources and sensitive data. As our organization expands, IAM effortlessly scales with us, adapting to changing requirements, and helping us maintain our commitment to top-tier security and efficient access management.
Zscaler Private Access works really well in environments setup for FQDNs and where you know what users should/shouldn't be accessing on what ports. You can use Zscaler Private Access to figure out these kinds of features but that doesn't always mean you'll be correct. It also provides a consistent experience for users as they can access their materials anywhere. It also makes the user the last line of defense. If a user's account is compromised then the attacker has access to everything they already did. It doesn't work great in OT environments or Server based environments. Flows have to be initiated from the client and not the server for stuff to behave properly.
Make it easier for users to assume roles securely, especially in cross-account settings. This might involve simplifying the process of switching roles in the management console or creating a command for AWS CLI that supports smoother role assumption.
Policy testing tools will be invaluable for administrators when they are creating policies. If this tool is able to assess the impact of enforcing a policy it will help greatly in preventing policy misconfigurations that lead to unintended consequences.
Better user interface, AWS should simplify the IAM interface to encourage new users.
Application Segmentation and Listener Configuration - The way applications are defined and listened for is fundamental to ZPA, but can be a source of frustration, especially when dealing with legacy or non-HTTP protocols
The ZCC is the user's primary gateway, but its control over local system network behavior can sometimes clash with enterprise requirements.
It gets easier with time, initially, it can be overwhelming for a fresher. Once you're used to working with roles and policies and know when and where it is required eventually it becomes easy
The environment feels more secure, and we are seeing that users are adapting to it fast. The fact that we have tools to assist the users with their day-to-day access helps, as we can hand it off to the helpdesk without any escalations to the Network team. It is a work in progress for our agency, but we are seeing the benefits from the solution.
AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) excels over Google Cloud IAM with its granular control, extensive service integration, and robust security features. AWS IAM provides fine-tuned access policies, versatile role delegation, and a wide array of services. Its adaptability and extensive toolset make it the preferred choice for businesses of all sizes.
Well ZPA is a good solution, however everyone has their own advantage and disadvantages, with ZPA you can deploy ZTNA model, which will help you better control on access, however Palo Alto, Fortinet they are also market leading firewall solution, and you can not deny if they are not providing the same features.
AWS IAM Identity Center has significantly bolstered our security posture by ensuring that only authorized personnel access our resources. This enhanced security has protected us from potential data breaches or unauthorized use of resources, mitigating risks and potential costs associated with security incidents.
While IAM brings long-term cost savings, there might be initial implementation and training costs. It's important to factor these costs into the ROI equation.
If your organization isn't used to such fine-grained access control, there might be resistance to adopting IAM. Overcoming this resistance might require additional training costs.
Positive: We have now charged users internally for the service
Negative: Dealing with users who also have the Zscaler Client Connector for their company, can cause confusions
Negative: Enabling the Zscaler Internet Access entitlement has been a major headache for us because Zscaler Private Access users can't autheniticate through ZIA on a non corporate device.
