Explanation of terms
Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) describes technologies and processes that companies use to securely manage the digital identities of their external users, i.e. customers or partners. In contrast to traditional IAM, which focuses on employees, CIAM focuses on the customer experience, security and data protection.
What makes CIAM special?
CIAM systems combine identity management with UX functions, data protection and security, for example through:
- Simple registration & login processes
- Self-service options (e.g. reset password, customize profile)
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- GDPR-compliant consent and data management
- Single sign-on across multiple platforms
- Social login (e.g. via Google, Apple or Facebook
Why do companies need CIAM?
Good customer experiences start with the login. CIAM helps to find the right balance between security, user-friendliness and data protection:
Consistent user experience: Whether in the web store, the app or the customer portal, customers expect smooth access.
Security and trust: CIAM protects sensitive customer data from misuse, identity theft and unauthorized access.
Ensure compliance: CIAM solutions help to efficiently implement regulatory requirements such as GDPR, CCPA or Consent Tracking.
Secure access is crucial for trust, conversion and long-term customer loyalty. CIAM makes this possible while being GDPR-compliant and user-friendly.