Best Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM) Software - Page 2

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Researched and written by Lauren Worth

Cloud infrastructure entitlement management (CIEM) software, also sometimes referred to as cloud permissions management software, is a security solution that manages user privileges or "entitlements" in cloud environments. The software controls access to applications, infrastructure, and resources in the cloud environment using the principle of least privileges (POLP). The least privilege policy is an integral part of the zero trust policy that limits the attack surface of security threats by restricting access in the cloud landscape.

CIEM software manages user accounts, defines user roles, and provides access control to ensure only the right users have access to resources, which reduces unauthorized access. Companies with complex cloud landscapes, as well as numerous teams and users, can use CIEM software to secure their cloud environments and ensure compliance. Security and IT operations teams use this tool to control access privileges and monitor the cloud environment for unauthorized access.

CIEM solutions have some features that overlap with identity and access management (IAM) software as both provide authentication and access control. However, they have distinct purposes. IAM focuses on user authentication, authorization, and access control across an organization's IT systems, both on-premises and in the cloud. CIEM extends its scope to include cloud infrastructure and endpoint management, addressing the broader challenges of managing cloud resources, securing endpoints, and ensuring cloud security and compliance.

To qualify for inclusion in the Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM) category, a product must: