Many security teams manage user access in the dark, without clear insight into who has access to what, or why. This lack of visibility makes it difficult to stay ahead of both attackers and auditors, especially under growing compliance pressure from frameworks like NIS 2, DORA, and ISO 27001.
Making IAM risks visible helps you:
Spot hidden threats like orphaned accounts;
Prioritise what matters instead of chasing generic checklists
Communicate risk clearly to management and auditors using real-world impact
Prove control with evidence-based insights, not assumptions
An IAM Risk Matrix is a simple yet powerful tool that helps visualise identity risks based on two key dimensions:
X-axis: Likelihood – How likely it is that the risk will occur, based on factors like current control maturity or past incidents.
Y-axis: Impact – The potential damage if the risk materialises, such as data breaches, audit findings, or operational disruption.
By plotting risks - such as orphaned accounts, privileged access, or segregation of duties (SoD) violations - on the matrix, security and compliance teams can quickly identify which risks require urgent attention and which are lower priority.
To get value from your IAM risk matrix, start by mapping the most relevant risks across your environment. These risks commonly affect security, compliance, operational efficiency, and data quality.
Here are 12 identity-related risks to consider:
Orphaned Accounts – Unused accounts from former employees or systems
Privileged Accounts – High-access accounts that are harder to monitor
Excessive User Access – Users with more permissions than necessary
Segregation of Duties (SoD) Violations – Conflicting access that enables fraud
Business-Specific Policy Violations – Access without required training or checks
Incomplete Access Reviews – Outdated or unvalidated access rights
Lack of Joiner-Mover-Leaver (JML) Enforcement – Delays in updating or removing access
No Ownership of Roles or Entitlements – Assets with no accountable owner
Identity Hygiene Issues – Cluttered or unnecessary active accounts
Role Hygiene Issues – Overlapping, unused, or poorly defined roles
Inefficient Offboarding – Access left open after people leave
Data Quality Problems – Incomplete or inconsistent identity records
The IAM Risk Matrix clearly illustrates the difference between an uncontrolled and a well-managed identity environment.