When configuring identity governance, which is a critical step?

Defining user roles is a critical step when configuring identity governance because roles serve as the foundation for access control within an organization. Properly defined roles help in aligning user access with business needs and compliance requirements. By delineating roles, organizations can ensure that users have the appropriate level of access based on their job responsibilities, which is essential for maintaining security and minimizing risk.

User roles also facilitate easier management of permissions, as they can be modified or adapted as organizational needs change. Additionally, well-defined roles simplify compliance efforts, as it becomes easier to demonstrate that access controls are in place and enforced consistently across the organization.

While mapping workflows, establishing audit trails, and integrating with HR systems are all important components of identity governance, they typically rely on well-defined user roles to function effectively. For example, workflows often need to reference these roles to determine approval processes and access rights, and audit trails will scrutinize the adherence to role-based access controls. Therefore, the establishment of user roles is foundational to the effective implementation of an overarching identity governance strategy.