What is the main purpose of identity access management (IAM) in cloud security?

The main purpose of identity access management (IAM) in cloud security is to enforce access control. IAM systems are designed to ensure that the right individuals have the appropriate access to technology resources, helping to protect sensitive data and systems from unauthorized access. This process involves the identification, authentication, and authorization of users. IAM helps organizations manage user identities and their permissions, which is critical in ensuring that only authenticated users can access specific resources, thereby maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data.

Access control is essential for mitigating security risks associated with overly permissive access rights and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. By defining roles and policies within the IAM system, organizations can enforce the principle of least privilege, meaning users receive only the access necessary to perform their job functions. This significantly enhances the overall security posture of cloud environments.

The other options provided, such as improving system performance, configuring network settings, and facilitating software installation, do not align directly with the core functions of IAM, which is fundamentally about managing user access and ensuring secure authentication.