definition 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., customersor partners. Unlike traditional IAM, which focuses on employees, CIAM focuses on customer experience, security, and data protection.
What makes CIAM special?
CIAM systems combine identity management with UX features, data protection, and security, for example through:
- Simple registration and 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 login. CIAM helps strike the right balance between security, user-friendliness, and data protection:
Consistent user experience: Whether in the web shop, in the app, or in 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 enables this and is both GDPR-compliant and user-friendly.