Eligibility is a foundational concept in cybersecurity and Identity and Access Management (IAM) that defines an entity's potential or qualification for specific access to resources or systems. It represents the theoretical capacity to receive access, distinct from permissions that are currently held or actively granted.

Understanding Eligibility in IAM

Eligibility serves as a prerequisite status that determines who (an identity – whether human, application, or device) can receive what access rights or privileges within an organization. This distinction is crucial: being eligible for access does not automatically mean access has been granted, but rather that the entity meets the necessary qualifications to request or receive such access.

Eligibility Criteria and Policy Frameworks

Organizations establish eligibility criteria through robust policy frameworks, commonly leveraging:

• Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC): Evaluates attributes such as department, location, or certification status
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Assigns eligibility based on organizational roles and responsibilities

These frameworks consider multiple factors including job function, organizational affiliation, security clearances, project roles, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Security Implications

Establishing and enforcing eligibility ensures access provisioning aligns with the principle of least privilege, a critical cybersecurity tenet that minimizes potential attack surfaces. By carefully defining who is eligible for what access, organizations can prevent unauthorized access and reduce security risks.

Dynamic Lifecycle Management

Managing eligibility is a dynamic, continuous process throughout the identity lifecycle. As an entity's status, role, or responsibilities change, their eligibility must be reassessed and updated accordingly. This vigilant oversight is vital for mitigating risks, maintaining compliance, and safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access.