Using IAM with CMS: 7 Challenges and Solutions

Integrating Identity and Access Management (IAM) with Content Management Systems (CMS) is essential for ensuring secure and efficient content management. However, it can present several challenges. Here are 7 common challenges and potential solutions
Identity & Access Management
 • 
October 4, 2024
 • 
2 min read

Trying to level up your brand and audience? CMS software is the no-brainer solution - but IAM software is how to stay secure while marketing your brand.

Whether you’re launching a new product or have been gaining impressive traffic - safeguarding this from competitors and anyone looking to exploit it can seem paranoid.

But the fact remains that 1 in 3 breaches involve shadow data and are extremely difficult to track or safeguard against. This means that having the same IAM software company-wide can prevent this from happening at any level or process. However, when it comes to CMS software - there can be problems that pop up that make it seem challenging.

How Do You Use Identity Access Management Software With CMS?

To do this you’ll need to set up your IAM system to manage user roles, permissions, and policies before you can integrate it with a CMS. Usually, all users and information must meet this requirement in order to access information within your CMS software.

Moreover, in order to provide seamless system authentication, you typically need to use Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols like OAuth or SAML or connect via APIs.

IAM makes sure that both internal teams and external customers can log in securely. In doing this, it helps make sure users only have access to the content and settings they are allowed to edit or change based on their role.

Also, adding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) can also boost your security a lot more. This setup helps make user management easier through centralized control, adds better security to your system, and more compliance with data privacy rules.

What are Some Challenges When Using IAM With Your CMS?

Authorization and Access Control Requirements For Your CMS

For CMS platforms, role-based access control (RBAC) is a part of safeguarding confidential info and following guidelines. However, with several roles or users like editors, contributors, and administrators, controlling this access can get a bit hard.

That's why most businesses run the danger of data breaches and content modifications when they don't have strong access control in place. Also, there's always a chance that some systems can be accessed without permission. In general, this may result in problems with the law and with operations.

How Do You Solve This Issue?

Making use of IAM software to manage roles, permissions, and access policies can definitely help.

These tools make sure that only authorized users access specific CMS functions. With this, some popular IAM tools like Infisign or similar can be integrated, or custom APIs can be developed, though this can at times require significant time and development resources.

Limited Customization Based on the IAM Framework Being Used

By limiting the modification choices available for particular content management systems, using IAM can limit the CMS's capacity to manage user roles and permissions. 

Many identity and access management (IAM) tools come pre-configured with protocols that might not be compatible with your content management system or your demands.

Sound like a small issue? Businesses that require more control over user access actually face difficulties as a result of this lack of flexibility. This is especially true for setting up different workflows for different types of content roles.

How Do You Solve This Issue?

To improve how well your IAM works, you may need to create new APIs or make use of more flexible IAM frameworks from other IAM providers.

This requires a little more work and development for IAM, but for tools like Infisign its not that hard.

Difficulty With Single Single On and Multi-Factor Authentication

Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO) is good for CMS platforms when it comes to boosting your security. Alongside this, SSO also allows you to log into multiple services with one set of credentials, but when doing this things like MFA adds an extra layer of protection.

Without these things, people generally face a higher risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, especially when handling sensitive content.

How Do You Solve This Issue?

There are tools that streamline SSO use on IAM platforms such as Infisign that also use MFA. Custom integration is possible but may require significant development effort and resources to makes sure seamless operation across the CMS.

Difficulty Adding IAM Software to Older and Outdated CMS Software

For CMS platforms running on outdated software, incorporating contemporary IAM solutions have considerable hurdles due to compatibility problems.

Advanced authentication techniques like OAuth and SAML are frequently not supported by legacy systems. Why? Well because they lack the required security protocols or APIs.

Businesses get concerned about this because, if they are unable to securely manage user identities, they run the danger of security flaws, illegal access, and compliance problems.

How Do You Solve This Issue?

To help with this, people can use middleware that bridges modern IAM frameworks with legacy CMS systems. Or otherwise, they can also slowly upgrade their CMS to a more compatible version. However, both options require time and substantial development efforts to happen.

Security Risks Added Through CMS Integration

Making use of IAM systems with CMS platforms can increase your security risks if not set up correctly. These risks include unauthorised access, data leakage, and flaws in authentication procedures.

Sensitive content and important system information may be exposed due to improperly configured permissions. Or aside form this inadequate integration between the IAM and CMS.

Employees that handle customer or personal info should be especially aware of these dangers. Although not frequent, these data breaches can have a serious negative impact on a company’s brand reputation.

How Do You Solve This Issue?

Businesses should use IAM solutions with proper  encryption, and check permissions on a regular basis.  Aside from this, they should also follow API use best practices in order to reduce these risks. Using IAM tools like Infisign can help create a connection, WHILE minimizing vulnerabilities.

Scalability Challenges Based on IAM Software

Scaling user management using IAM for CMS platforms can be difficult, especially when managing an increasing number of people, roles, and permissions. Performance bottlenecks may develop as the user base grows, affecting the dependability and speed of access control.

This becomes a big problem for businesses. Why? Well because, if not handled properly, it can result in sluggish authentication procedures or even irritate users. Not to mention you have many more security flaws as well.

How Do You Solve This Issue?

To address scalability, you can opt for cloud-based IAM solutions like Infisign which have better and more scalable infrastructure. Alternatively, optimizing custom-built APIs can improves performance, that said, this can also need additional effort from the side of the company.

API and Interoperability Problems

For CMS platforms, using IAM typically leads to API and interoperability concerns, especially when several systems and protocols are involved. User authentication and access control may be interfered with by inconsistent API standards or out-of-date CMS frameworks that obstruct smooth communication between the IAM and CMS.

These challenges become problematic for people relying on smooth content workflows, as inefficient integration can lead to operational delays and security gaps for you.

How Do You Solve This Issue?

To fix these problems, people can use IAM software alongside flexible APIs or use middleware that enhances compatibility. Additionally, investing in API optimization and regular updates helps smoother usage, but this may need additional development effort and resources.

What is the Best IAM to Use With Your Existing CMS Framework?

While it can seem intimidating finding the best IAM to integrate with your CMS framework depends on your specific requirements. This is in terms of security, scalability, and user management.

IAM software like Infisign creates more robust, cloud-based solutions with flexible APIs and strong support for Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and role-based access control (RBAC). 

Looking to implement access management for your CMS? You can always try reaching out to the team at Infisign for a free demo.

Step into the future of digital identity and access management.

Learn More
Judah Joel Waragia
Content Architect

Judah Joel Waragia specialize in crafting engaging and informative content on cybersecurity and identity management. With a passion for simplifying complex technical topics, Judah excels at creating content that resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences. His ability to distill complex ideas into clear and concise language makes him a valuable asset to the Infisign team.

Enter the future of digital security.

Experience AI-enhanced IAM capabilities and better security.
Checkmark
Reusable identity
Checkmark
Zero-Knowledge Proofs
Checkmark
Zero Trust practices
Checkmark
AI Agents