Identity security is now a cornerstone of enterprise cyber defence, particularly in the UK where regulatory pressure and threat levels continue to rise. Security teams often hear three related but distinct terms: IAM (Identity and Access Management), PAM (Privileged Access Management), and IGA (Identity Governance and Administration). While they overlap, each addresses different layers of identity control — and understanding these distinctions is critical for building a robust security architecture.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

IAM provides the front door to digital services. It focuses on authentication and authorisation — ensuring that users are who they say they are and can access the resources they need. Common IAM functions include single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and directory services integration.

For example, an NHS trust might use an IAM solution to authenticate clinical staff through a single sign-on portal to electronic health records, intranet systems, and secure email. Similarly, a retail business may integrate its IAM with cloud services like Microsoft 365 and AWS to standardise user login across multiple platforms.

In short, IAM addresses:- Who can log in, and what can they access once authenticated.

Privileged Access Management (PAM)

PAM focuses on high-risk or elevated accounts — such as system administrators, database owners, and DevOps engineers. These accounts often have powerful permissions and are prime targets for attackers.

A PAM solution typically provides secure vaulting of credentials, session recording, just-in-time access, and privilege elevation controls. For example, a UK bank might use PAM to ensure that domain admin accounts are only activated for specific maintenance tasks, with full session logging to meet regulatory requirements. This limits standing privileges and reduces the blast radius of any compromise.

In short, PAM addresses:- Secure, control, and monitoring of privileged access.

Identity Governance and Administration (IGA)

IGA adds a governance and lifecycle layer over IAM and PAM. It provides the policy engine and control plane for managing digital identities and entitlements at scale.

IGA platforms automate provisioning and deprovisioning across systems, enforce least-privilege access, support segregation of duties (SoD), and enable access certification campaigns. They often integrate with IAM directories (e.g. Azure AD) and PAM systems to ensure access decisions remain compliant over time.

For example, a UK university may use IGA to automatically provision students and staff into relevant applications based on role, remove access when they leave, and provide audit evidence for ISO 27001 compliance. A financial services firm might use it to run quarterly access reviews required under UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

In short, IGA addresses:- Who should have access, why, and is that access still appropriate?

How They Work Together

In a well-designed security architecture:

• IAM handles authentication and baseline access control.
• PAM secures the most sensitive accounts.
• IGA governs access end-to-end, ensuring compliance, visibility, and control.

These functions complement each other. For example, IAM may allow a user to log into a cloud platform, PAM may control who can elevate to root privileges, and IGA ensures that the right people have those privileges in the first place — and only for as long as needed.

In the UK, guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre the The Information Commissioner’s Office, and frameworks like the Cyber Assessment Framework emphasise least privilege, auditable access control, and continuous review. Implementing IAM, PAM, and IGA in a coordinated way supports regulatory compliance, strengthens Zero Trust architectures, and significantly reduces identity-based attack surfaces.

Summary table:

Function	IAM (Identity & Access Management)	PAM (Privileged Access Management)	IGA (Identity Governance & Administration)
Primary focus	Authentication & authorisation	Securing and monitoring elevated privileges	Governance, lifecycle management, compliance
Typical scope	All users and standard access	Admins, service accounts, root privileges	All identities and entitlements
Key capabilities	SSO, MFA, directory integration, access policies	Privilege vaulting, session monitoring, just-in-time access	Provisioning/deprovisioning, access certifications, SoD, policy enforcement
Example use case (UK)	NHS trust authenticating staff to clinical apps	Bank controlling domain admin sessions	University automating student onboarding/offboarding
Security control type	Preventive (front-door access)	Preventive + detective (high-risk accounts)	Preventive + detective + corrective (full lifecycle)
Integration point	Feeds identities to IGA, enforces auth	Controlled by IGA policy, monitored by SIEM	Orchestrates IAM + PAM under governance
Regulatory relevance (UK)	Supports UK GDPR & basic security baselines	Supports FCA, ISO 27001, PCI DSS	Supports NCSC CAF, UK GDPR, SOX, ISO 27001

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