IAM Interview Questions

IAM stands for Identity and Access Management (IAM) enables users to access the right type of technology, be it networks, databases, or applications. All of it is done at the right time. However, when it comes to hiring an employee to handle this technological aspect, how can aspirants put their best foot forward?

An array of organizations and companies come up with plenty of jobs in IAM, including third-party service providers, medium and small-sized businesses, and enterprises.

The frequent positions include IAM system architect, IAM access control specialist, IAM system engineer, IAM administrator, and IAM consultant. Based on the position and the company, some of the IAM vacancies could be more customer-centric. Others may concentrate more on soft skills, like communication and collaboration.

So, if you are ready to make your career in any of these fields of IAM, here is a list of IAM interview questions that you can prepare for. 

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Top IAM Interview Questions and Answers

1. What is the importance of IAM?

With an increase in security threats and user privacy preferences turning more difficult to handle, IAM has started to play a crucial role for organizations, irrespective of the industry and size. IAM is vital at a time when passwords get hacked within seconds, data breaches turn a frequent occurrence and intruders infiltrate government as well as organizational agencies. 

2. What is an identity directory service?

Most of the IAM projects comprise working with active directory and other kinds of repositories that are compliant with Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). Accordingly, LDAP skills are required throughout the project for directory consolidation, QA testing, data conversions, and other tasks. 

3. Do you prefer working alone or in a team?

Communication and collaboration skills are essential. I prefer working in a team as being a team player is vital, whether you have just started or are an IAM professional. 

4. What is the method of getting the IP address of a computer?

To get the IP address, first, go to Start > cmd—systeminfo. The other way is to go to Start > Powershell—systeminfo. 

5. What is the method of providing access to a user into a server with Active Directory? And, how would you disable somebody in an Active Directory?

To give access to a user, first, browse the server in the Active Directory and look for the relevant Access groups in the Server properties. After that, add the user to the preferred group that offers access to the specific service. On the contrary, to disable somebody, look for the user in the Organizational Unit (OU) and right-click, choose Disable Account.  

6. Can you define cryptography?

Basically, cryptography can be defined as the study of secured and safeguarded communication techniques that let the sender and recipient see the contents. The concept is taken from a set of calculations based on rules, known as algorithms, and mathematical concepts. This helps convert plaintext into ciphertext and then again into plaintext. The entire process is known as decryption. 

7. What is the objective of cryptography?

Cryptography keeps information concealed and confidential. In case storage or transmission medium is compromised, encrypted information will render useless to unauthorized people without any key for decryption. And then, with the help of message digests and hashing algorithms, cryptography makes sure the information is accurate. Additionally, digital certificates, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), and digital signatures can be used for the purpose of validation. 

Identity and Access Management Interview Questions

In the field of IAM, same like other security streams, filling up jobs with professionals requires a correct mixture, which is not easy to find. Thus, companies looking for IAM candidates turn creative when it comes to hiring. If you are somebody who is switching fields or just graduated, companies would often look into your ability and willingness to pick up concepts, especially the technical ones. 

Hence, IAM job interview questions may also touch safeguards, security fundamentals, controls, and the basics of cryptography, cloud computing, access management, identity protection, and more. 

Apart from the ones mentioned above, here are a few entry-level questions that you may face in an IAM interview. However, the answer to each of these questions will be customized as per your professional experience and preferences. 

8. What can you tell us about yourself?

Whether you are a fresher or an experienced IAM professional, you will have to give a concise, on-point answer to this question. You would have to open up in such a way that the interviewer gets to learn more about your experience and skills so as to figure out whether you are a good match for the organization or not. 

9. What kind of users have you worked with before?

This specific question is for professionals in the IAM field. Basically, the users you would deal with vary on the basis of the job and the company, from privileged and customer accounts to service accounts, business partners, internal employees, and much more. 

10. What are the IAM solutions and tools you prefer working with the most?

Accordingly, IAM could be either a single product or a combination of hardware, cloud services, software, and processes that offer administrators visibility and regulation over the organization's data. So, if you have worked with any IAM tools and solutions before, mention them in detail. 

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11. What is the biggest mistake you have committed or the biggest challenge you faced?

You may also get a variation of this specific question, which could be “What is the hardest part of the job?” It is essential to discuss issues, obstacles and how you deal with them, what you learned throughout the way and what you may do differently in the future. 

12. If I was a child, how will you explain the vitality of controlling system access?

A majority of roles need you to explain technical aspects to those who don’t have a substantial-tech background. Likewise, the interviewer may ask you a question that would assess your abilities and skills to explain.

13. If I was not a tech person, how would you explain the importance of controlling system access? 

Often, employers may also ask a question that would evaluate your interpersonal skill.

14.Tell us about a project you were a part of.

If you are new to IAM, some of the employers will be interested in practical experience. Thus, before an interview, you must create a list of all the projects you have completed so far. 

Frequently Asked Identity and Access Management Interview Questions

In addition to these, there are a handful of more questions that you may have to answer, such as:

1. Do you have any experience handling third-party service providers?
2. What tools did you use to perform access recertification?
3. How do you deal with clients requesting information?
4. Do you know anything about IAM product design?
5. Do you have any experience with the active directory?
6. Do you have any experience with access management and cloud identity experience?
7. Have you ever implemented IAM solutions or products before?
8. Can you define the role of regulatory compliance and regulations in IAM?

Wrapping Up

When it comes to creating a well-paying career in IAM, you can choose from plenty of streams. However, while appearing for an interview, your technical and personal knowledge will be tested, regardless of the vacancy, you are applying for. So, if you have an IAM interview scheduled, glance at these IAM Interview questions and prepare thoroughly.