Overview
Government IAM represents the highest-stakes identity environment: nation-state adversaries actively target federal systems, making government the #1 target sector for advanced persistent threats (APT). Executive Order 14028 mandated Zero Trust architecture across federal agencies by 2024, driving $2.6B+ in modernization investment. Government IAM must balance NIST-prescribed security rigor (800-53, 800-63, 800-207) with citizen service delivery and cross-agency interoperability. FedRAMP authorization gates all cloud IAM adoption, creating a constrained but well-defined vendor landscape.
Why It Matters
SolarWinds, Colonial Pipeline, and OPM breaches demonstrated that government systems are prime nation-state targets. The OPM breach alone exposed 22 million federal employees' personal data including security clearance information. EO 14028 created the first federal Zero Trust mandate with real accountability—agency CIOs must report progress quarterly. State/local governments face similar threats with fewer resources. Government IAM decisions shape national security posture.
Key Concepts
1FedRAMP Authorization
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program—mandatory security certification for cloud services used by federal agencies. Three authorization levels: Low, Moderate (most common), High (DoD/IC). Authorization process takes 6-18 months and requires 3PAO assessment. FedRAMP Rev 5 aligns with NIST 800-53 Rev 5, adding 66 new controls.
2PIV/CAC Smart Cards
Personal Identity Verification (civilian) and Common Access Card (DoD)—HSPD-12 mandated hardware tokens storing X.509 certificates. Requires PKI infrastructure, card readers, and middleware. FIPS 201-3 updated PIV to support derived credentials on mobile devices. PIV-I extends to contractors and affiliates.
3NIST 800-63 Identity Assurance
Three-dimensional assurance framework: IAL (identity proofing), AAL (authenticator strength), FAL (federation). Levels 1-3 prescribe increasing rigor. IAL2 requires supervised remote or in-person proofing. AAL2 requires MFA with cryptographic authenticators. Federal systems typically require IAL2/AAL2 minimum.
4CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model
Five-pillar framework (Identity, Devices, Networks, Apps, Data) with four maturity levels (Traditional, Initial, Advanced, Optimal). Guides federal agency Zero Trust implementation per EO 14028. Identity pillar prioritizes phishing-resistant MFA—agencies must implement by FY24.
5Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM)
DHS-managed program providing federal agencies with cybersecurity tools and integration services. CDM DEFEND includes identity and access management capabilities. Agencies leverage CDM for real-time asset inventory and vulnerability management.
6Login.gov
GSA-operated shared service providing citizen identity verification and authentication across federal agencies. Offers IAL1 and IAL2 identity proofing. Used by 50+ agencies serving 100M+ accounts. Provides NIST 800-63 compliant citizen authentication without agencies building their own.
Common Challenges
Learning Path
Learning path for Government IAM
Learn Federal Standards
Understand FISMA, FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, and federal security requirements
Master NIST 800-63
Digital identity guidelines, identity assurance levels, authenticator requirements
Understand PIV/CAC
Smart card authentication, HSPD-12 requirements, PKI integration
Implement Zero Trust
Follow CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model for federal agencies