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🔥 Discover how leading teams automate access reviews with BalkanID. Learn more

Buyer’s Checklist

Workforce Identity Buyer’s Checklist

Use this checklist to evaluate whether a workforce identity platform is built for modern SaaS sprawl, continuous risk, and audit reality - not legacy, project-heavy IGA.

1. Identity Foundation & Architecture

Supports workforce identity as a distinct domain (not repurposed CIAM)
Integrates cleanly with existing IdPs (Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, Google Workspace)
Federation-first model (OIDC / SAML) without credential duplication
Treats identity as a graph (people, roles, entitlements, apps, data)
Designed for SaaS-first and hybrid environments (not AD-centric)

2. Authentication & Front-Door Controls

Supports SSO across cloud and SaaS applications
Enforces strong MFA policies (context-aware, role-aware)
Supports passwordless / passkeys where available
Separates authentication (who you are) from authorization (what you can do)
Provides visibility into authentication risk signals (failed MFA, bypasses)

3. Provisioning & Lifecycle Automation (SCIM)

Native SCIM support for user and group lifecycle events
Automated Joiner provisioning for Day-1 productivity
Automated Mover workflows that revoke old access on role change
Automated Leaver deprovisioning across all connected apps
Ability to detect and remediate orphaned or zombie accounts
Attribute-based provisioning (role, department, location, employment type)

4. Governance & Access Reviews (IGA)

Self-service access review campaigns (no consulting required)
Manager and app-owner based reviews supported
Reviewer context available (peer access, role norms, risk indicators)
Supports continuous or event-driven reviews (not only quarterly)
Tracks decisions, justifications, and evidence for audits
Built-in support for Segregation of Duties (SoD) policies

5. Identity Security Posture Management (ISPM)

Continuous visibility into identity risk (not snapshot reports)
Detects excessive privileges and toxic access combinations
Highlights dormant, unused, or over-privileged accounts
Identifies risky roles and entitlement outliers
Provides prioritized, actionable remediation recommendations
Treats identity risk as ongoing posture, not audit-time activity

6. Least Privilege & JIT Access

Supports Just-in-Time access for privileged roles
Access can be time-bound and purpose-bound
Automatic access expiration without manual cleanup
Eliminates standing admin privileges where possible
Logs and audits all JIT access grants and expirations
Works across SaaS, cloud, and internal systems

7. AI, Intelligence & Usability

Natural-language querying (not only dashboards)
Ability to ask questions like “Who has admin access to production?”
AI-driven risk prioritization (not just static rules)
Reduces reviewer fatigue with contextual insights
Explains why access is risky, not just that it is
Designed for security, IT, and GRC - not only IAM specialists

8. Compliance & Audit Readiness

Built-in support for SOC 2, SOX, HIPAA, GDPR
Automated evidence collection for access reviews
Audit-ready reports without manual data stitching
Clear traceability from identity → access → decision → remediation
Supports internal audits and external auditor workflows
Reduces audit prep time, not just audit findings

9. Integrations & Coverage

Broad HRIS coverage (Workday, BambooHR, ADP, etc.)
Broad SaaS coverage (Beyond IdPs and Cloud Providers)
Supports long-tail and disconnected applications
API-first design for custom integrations
Handles contractors, vendors, and temporary workers
Clear roadmap for non-human identities (service accounts, bots)

10. Deployment, Operations & Ownership

Can be deployed in days, not months
No dependency on large professional services engagements
Transparent pricing aligned to outcomes, not seats alone
Scales from mid-market to enterprise without re-platforming
Optional managed services for access reviews and governance
Clear product ownership between security, IT, and GRC teams

11. Strategic Fit & Future Readiness

Designed for continuous identity governance, not point-in-time compliance
Aligns with Zero Trust and least-privilege principles
Supports SaaS sprawl and cloud-native architectures
Can coexist with existing IAM investments
Reduces identity risk over time, not just audit findings
Positions identity as a security control plane, not an IT chore

Ready to simplify your access reviews and strengthen your security posture?

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