Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a framework of policies, processes, and technologies that enables organizations to manage digital identities and control access to resources. IAM systems handle the entire lifecycle of user identities, from initial creation and provisioning to modification, deprovisioning, and deletion. Key components of IAM include user authentication (verifying identity), authorization (determining access rights), and auditing (tracking user activities). IAM solutions typically provide features such as single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), and user activity monitoring. By implementing robust IAM practices, organizations can enhance security, ensure compliance with regulations, improve user experience, and streamline IT operations across complex, hybrid environments.