11 Best Access Governance Software for Identity Management in 2026

Access governance is a critical component within identity and access management (IAM) that ensures the right individuals have access to the appropriate resources at the right times and for the right reasons. It involves the processes and technologies that manage and regulate who has access to what information and systems within an organization.

As organizations adopt more cloud services, manage hybrid environments, and face evolving compliance requirements, choosing the right access governance software has never been more important. Whether you’re replacing a legacy IGA platform or investing in governance for the first time, this buyer’s guide will help you evaluate your options, understand the features that matter most, and choose a solution that fits your organization’s needs in 2026.

Key Features and Functionalities to Look for in Access Governance Software

Not all access governance platforms are created equal. Before diving into individual tools, here are the core capabilities you should prioritize when evaluating solutions:

• Automated Access Reviews and Certifications — The ability to run scheduled or continuous user access reviews with multi-step reviewer workflows, auto-approvals for low-risk changes, and zero-touch deprovisioning.
• Identity Lifecycle Management — Automated onboarding, role changes, and offboarding that sync with HR systems and directories to ensure access rights reflect current employment status.
• Self-Service Access Requests — A portal (web, Slack, CLI, etc.) where users can request access to apps, roles, or permissions with automated approval workflows, reducing IT overhead.
• Just-in-Time (JIT) Access — Temporary, time-bound access provisioning that enforces the Principle of Least Privilege and eliminates standing privileges.
• Role-Based and Policy-Driven Access Controls — Granular policies based on job function, department, risk level, or location, including separation of duties (SoD) enforcement.
• Non-Human Identity (NHI) Governance — Increasingly critical in 2026: the ability to discover, inventory, and govern service accounts, API keys, tokens, certificates, and AI agents.
• AI and Machine Learning — Risk-based recommendations for access decisions, anomaly detection, dormant account identification, and automated helpdesk ticket processing.
• Broad Integration Coverage — Pre-built, no-code connectors for cloud and on-prem apps, directories (Active Directory, Azure AD), HR systems, and infrastructure layers. Support for LDAP, SAML, OAuth, and SCIM.
• Comprehensive Reporting and Audit Trails — Detailed, auditor-ready reports with immutable logs, compliance dashboards, and data visualization for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS.
• Developer-Friendly Configuration — Support for Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform), APIs, CLI tools, and open-source extensibility for technical teams.

How to Evaluate and Choose the Right Access Governance Software for Your Needs

When evaluating access governance software, conduct a thorough needs assessment and pilot test with critical systems. This ensures that the chosen solution meets your organization’s technical requirements and business objectives.

Compatibility with Existing IT Infrastructure

• Integration Points. The software should seamlessly integrate with various systems, including on-premises and cloud applications, databases, and network infrastructure. Look for support for standard protocols like LDAP for directory services, SAML and OAuth for web single sign-on (SSO), and SCIM for user provisioning.
• Directory Services. Compatibility with existing directory services (e.g., Active Directory, Azure AD) is crucial for user access management.
• Synchronization. The software should synchronize with multiple directory services, ensuring that changes in user status (e.g., new hires, departures, role changes) are automatically reflected in access permissions.
• Federation. For organizations using multiple directory services or hybrid (on-premises and cloud) environments, the access governance software should support identity federation for a seamless user experience and centralized management of access policies across disparate systems.
• Legacy Systems. Consider how well the software can integrate with legacy systems, which may not support modern authentication and integration standards. This might require custom connectors or middleware.

Scalability to Accommodate Organizational Growth

• Architectural Design. The software’s architecture should support horizontal scaling to handle increasing loads, potentially through cloud-based services or clustering techniques.
• Microservices Architecture. A microservices-based architecture can enhance scalability by allowing individual software components to scale independently based on demand.
• Cloud-native Features. For SaaS or cloud-based deployments, look for cloud-native features such as auto-scaling, load balancing, and containerization (e.g., Kubernetes support), which can dynamically adjust resources to meet workload demands.
• Performance Metrics. Request or conduct benchmark tests that mimic your organization’s expected load and usage patterns. Features like caching, query optimization, and efficient data storage can significantly impact performance.
• License and Cost Model. The licensing model should be flexible to accommodate growth without exorbitant costs. Per-user licensing or tiered models can significantly impact the total cost of ownership as your organization expands.

User-friendliness and Ease of Deployment

• Interface and Navigation. The user interface should be intuitive for both administrators and end-users. Look for a clean, straightforward design that simplifies complex tasks, such as requesting access or reviewing access rights.
• Training and Documentation. Comprehensive documentation and training resources are essential to reduce the learning curve and ensure successful adoption. Evaluate the quality and accessibility of user guides, online training, and support forums.
• Deployment Options. Consider whether the software offers flexible deployment options that match your IT strategy.
• Containerization and Orchestration. Support for containerized deployment options, like Docker containers managed by Kubernetes, can simplify software deployment, scaling, and management across different environments.
• Hybrid and Multi-cloud Support. Deploying in hybrid or multi-cloud environments offers flexibility in leveraging existing on-premises infrastructure alongside public clouds for scalability and resilience.

Comprehensive Reporting and Analytics Capabilities

• Audit Trails and History. The software should provide detailed audit logs and history for all access-related activities. This is critical for compliance with regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and internal audits.

💡Pro Tip: Opt for solutions that maintain immutable logs that cannot be altered or deleted. This is critical for forensic analysis and compliance audits.

• Analytics Tools. Look for built-in analytics tools that offer insights into access patterns, potential security risks, and compliance posture. The ability to customize reports and set up automated alerts for unusual activities is highly beneficial.
• Data Visualization. Advanced data visualization features can help quickly identify issues or trends related to access governance. Dashboards and interactive charts make it easier for stakeholders to understand the access landscape.

Support and Customer Service Offerings

• Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Detailed SLAs that specify response times, resolution times, and availability guarantees can assure timely and effective support.
• Expertise and Resources. Assess the support team’s expertise and the availability of resources such as technical whitepapers, troubleshooting guides, and best practice documents.
• Software Updates and Maintenance. Understand the frequency of updates and how they are applied. Look for solutions offering zero-downtime updates or scheduling updates during off-peak hours to minimize disruption.

Best Access Governance Software for Identity Management on the Market Right Now

We evaluated 11 of the leading access governance platforms available in 2026, examining each for deployment speed, automation depth, integration breadth, user experience, and real-world customer feedback. Here’s how they stack up:

1. ConductorOne — Best for next-gen, AI-native identity governance
2. Okta Identity Governance (OIG) — Best for organizations already on the Okta platform
3. StrongDM — Best for infrastructure access management
4. Netwrix Data Access Governance — Best for data-centric access control
5. SecurEnds — Best for credential entitlement management
6. SolarWinds Access Rights Manager (ARM) — Best for on-premises Active Directory environments
7. Evidian IGA — Best for European and regulated enterprises
8. SAP Access Control and Governance — Best for SAP-centric environments
9. Zluri — Best for SaaS management and optimization
10. Zilla Security (now CyberArk IGA) — Best for automated compliance in cloud-first orgs
11. SailPoint Identity Security Cloud — Best for large enterprise IGA at scale

1. ConductorOne

ConductorOne is a cloud-native, AI-native identity security and access governance platform that uses advanced automation and customizable workflows to streamline access management processes. This includes automated onboarding and offboarding of users and orchestrating complex multi-step approval processes for access requests. ConductorOne seamlessly integrates and consolidates granular identity data from several sources, including cloud-based and on-premises applications, directories, and underlying infrastructure layers.

Some of ConductorOne’s advanced automation features include configuring auto-approvals for certain access requests based on predefined criteria and zero-touch deprovisioning for revoking access rights.

What Makes ConductorOne Different?

Compared to traditional IGA solutions that are cumbersome, less flexible, and mostly designed for on-premises infrastructure, ConductorOne’s next-gen approach emphasizes:

• Cloud-native design for better scalability and integration with cloud services.
• User-friendly self-service capabilities to reduce IT overhead and improve user satisfaction.
• AI and machine learning for enhanced security, anomaly detection, and automated decision-making.
• Agile and continuous delivery model for rapid updates and feature rollouts.
• Unified governance for human and non-human identities — In 2025, ConductorOne launched unified identity governance for NHIs, enabling organizations to discover, inventory, map ownership of, and set risk alerts for service accounts, API keys, tokens, certificates, and AI agents from a single platform.

💡Recommended Watch →

Key Features of ConductorOne’s Access Governance Solution

Unified Access Visibility and Control

ConductorOne offers a centralized platform for managing identity access across diverse environments, including cloud and on-premises applications, directories, and infrastructure. This “single pane of glass” approach allows for comprehensive visibility and control over access rights, using powerful search and visualization tools to identify access insights and potential risks quickly.

ConductorOne automates access reviews and certification by leveraging machine learning for access modification suggestions and dormant account identification.

💡Benefit: This reduces manual review burdens and ensures access rights are promptly adjusted according to role changes or policy updates.

Automated Access Reviews and Compliance

To properly evaluate user permissions and access rights, ConductorOne implements a series of customizable workflows to automate the access review process — which includes:

• Multi-step reviewer policies, which enforce a rigorous review process by involving multiple stakeholders;
• Slack notifications, ensuring timely communication and actions;
• Auto approvals for low-risk access changes, minimizing administrative overhead; and
• Zero-touch deprovisioning for automatic removal of access rights, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

This automation also extends to compliance management, facilitating strict adherence to internal policies and external regulations. By automating routine compliance tasks, ConductorOne reduces the likelihood of human error and oversight, enabling a more consistent and efficient compliance posture.

💡Benefit: The system’s ability to automatically document and report on access changes aids in audit readiness, making it easier for organizations to demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards.

💡Must Watch →

Just-in-Time (JIT) Access

Implementing just-in-time (JIT) access through ConductorOne reduces risk linked with standing privileges by granting temporary access to resources only when required. This ensures that access permissions are only active during specified, need-based instances, automatically revoking these rights once the need expires.

ConductorOne’s JIT access capability enables you to enforce the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) — which states that users should be granted the minimum level of access necessary to complete their tasks (or job functions).

💡Benefit: Implementing JIT access reduces the attack vector for credential theft. Since elevated privileges are only available for a short window and are not constantly active, there’s no opportunity for hackers to steal and misuse these credentials.

Self-Service Access Requests

ConductorOne allows you to configure self-service access requests that enable users to independently request access to applications, groups, roles, or permissions. This functionality is supported through various interfaces, including Slack, command line interface (CLI), and web app, allowing users to make flexible requests.

When a user submits an access request, it undergoes an automated approval workflow. The request is either approved or denied based on predefined criteria set by your organization’s IT or security team. This automation ensures that users can gain necessary access swiftly and efficiently without manual intervention for each request.

💡Benefit: Users gain quicker access to necessary resources, enhancing productivity, while IT and security teams experience reduced administrative burdens.

💡Recommended Watch →

AI-Powered Governance and Helpdesk Automation

ConductorOne utilizes AI to provide risk-based recommendations for access decisions, analyzing user roles, access patterns, and potential security risks to suggest the most appropriate access rights. The platform also employs AI to automate helpdesk ticket processing through the Access Copilot feature. This feature can understand, approve, or deny access requests autonomously based on predefined policies and risk assessments.

💡Benefit: With AI, there’s quicker resolution of access requests and improved organizational security, because access rights are granted based on a thorough analysis of risk factors.

Non-Human Identity (NHI) Governance

As of 2025, ConductorOne provides unified governance for non-human identities — including service accounts, API keys, OAuth tokens, certificates, and AI agents. With NHIs now outnumbering human identities by at least 20:1, this capability is essential for organizations managing complex hybrid and multi-cloud environments. ConductorOne discovers and inventories NHIs, maps ownership, and provides risk alerts — all from a single platform.

💡Benefit: Organizations gain visibility and control over their fastest-growing identity attack surface without requiring a separate tool.

Developer-Friendly Configuration

ConductorOne supports configuration management via Terraform, enabling developers to define and provision the ConductorOne infrastructure as code. The platform provides a comprehensive API to enhance automation and customization, and offers command-line access (Cone) for direct, scriptable interactions.

💡Benefit: Terraform configurations can be version-controlled along with application code, allowing teams to collaborate more effectively, track changes, and roll back to previous configurations if necessary.

Seamless Integration via No-code Connectors

ConductorOne provides no-code connectors for integrating identity and user access data from HR systems, cloud platforms, SaaS, IaaS, on-premises, and homegrown applications into a single view. Key functionality includes:

• Off-the-shelf, no-code setup that’s up and running in minutes.
• Real-time visibility into fine-grained permissions, roles, groups, resources, and more.
• Complete audit trail of access changes and usage.
• Easy lifecycle management with automatic provisioning and deprovisioning.

💡Pro Tip → For organizations using Okta as their centralized identity provider, ConductorOne enables enforcement of the principle of least privilege with time-based access controls, just-in-time access provisioning, and easy-to-use access reviews. 👉 Learn more about ConductorOne + Okta Integration

Baton for Infrastructure Access Audit

A significant part of ConductorOne’s offering includes Baton, an open-source framework for connectors. Baton allows for customization of connectors to extract, normalize, and interact with identity and access data. The tool follows a simple data model consisting of resources, entitlements, and grants to map access rights across apps and infrastructure.

Baton comprises three major components:

• The Baton CLI. A command line interface that provides a set of commands to extract, compare, and explore identity, resource, and permission data in an app.
• The Baton SDK. A toolkit that makes building a connector for any application seamless.
• Baton Connectors. Pre-built and supported integrations that work with common SaaS and IaaS apps to sync identity and permission data.

💡Pro Tip → With ConductorOne, you can instantly generate detailed reports on user access reviews, compliance status, and deprovisioning actions with a single click.

Why Do Customers Choose ConductorOne?

Security and IT teams love ConductorOne for identity governance and least privilege access controls. Users on G2 agree:

• “Simplest access management on Earth.”
• “UAR automation could never get easier.”
• “What used to take months now takes days for us with C1.”
• “Access management & reviews reinvented.”
• “Identity management made easy.”

💡Case Study → Read How System1 manages disparate systems after M&A activity and streamlined SOX audits.

2. Okta Identity Governance (OIG)

Okta Identity Governance is a unified identity management and governance solution designed to help organizations manage user identities and access rights across various applications and services. This solution is part of Okta’s broader identity and access management (IAM) offerings (Okta Lifecycle Management and Workflows products), focusing on enhancing security, compliance, and operational efficiency.

👉 Related: 8 Best Okta Identity Governance Alternatives for 2026

How Okta Works

Okta Lifecycle Management delivers integrated solutions linking HR and IT systems, enabling seamless synchronization of employee information and their access to IT applications. This system ensures that as employees join, transition within, or exit the organization, their access to applications and resources is automatically managed — assigned, updated, or removed.

Okta Workflows offers the flexibility and customization options necessary to address complex identity governance requirements. It allows for the easy automation of identity-related tasks on a large scale without needing to code. Anyone in your organization can develop identity management solutions using simple if-this-then-that logic, leveraging Okta’s extensive library of pre-built connectors and connecting to any available public API.

Advantages

• Automated Lifecycle Management. OIG automates the entire lifecycle of user identities and access rights, from onboarding to offboarding. It integrates with HR systems (like Workday and SuccessFactors) for automated user account creation, role assignment, and access provisioning based on job roles, changes, or departures.
• Access Request and Approval Workflows. It offers a self-service portal where users can request access to resources, and designated approvers can approve or deny these requests based on policies. This highly configurable process can incorporate multi-level approval workflows.
• Access Certification and Review. OIG enables organizations to conduct regular access reviews and certifications to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Policy and Role Management. It provides tools for defining and managing access policies and roles, allowing for granular control over who has access to what resources.
• Advanced Analytics and Reporting. Okta Identity Governance offers comprehensive analytics and reporting capabilities, enabling organizations to monitor access patterns, identify potential security risks, and ensure compliance with audit requirements.

Disadvantages

• Device Change Challenges. When changing devices, users face severe access issues, known as the “Okta death loop,” which can lead to locked-out situations without clear workarounds.
• Limited AD Integration Flexibility. Integrating non-AD user repositories with Okta requires additional development, indicating limited out-of-the-box flexibility.
• Frequent & Unnecessary Verification. The need for repeated login verifications on mobile devices disrupts user productivity, particularly during critical presentations or demos.
• Remote Access Restrictions. Okta’s security measures can sometimes prevent access to work accounts from non-company networks, necessitating physical presence or support intervention.

Pricing

Okta Identity Governance is available as part of Okta’s Workforce Identity Cloud suite packages. OIG is not sold as a standalone product — it requires an existing Okta Workforce Identity subscription. The most common path to OIG is through the Essentials Suite at $17 per user/month (billed annually), which includes Adaptive MFA, Privileged Access, Lifecycle Management, Access Governance, and 50 Workflows. All suites require a $1,500 annual contract minimum. Contact Okta sales for custom quotes tailored to your organization’s needs.

3. StrongDM

StrongDM is an infrastructure access platform that provides secure, auditable, and easy-to-manage access to databases, servers, clusters, and web applications. It acts as a unified control plane, streamlining how users connect to essential infrastructure without requiring traditional VPNs, SSH keys, or database credentials.

How StrongDM Works

The platform uses a protocol-aware proxy architecture to manage connections to various resources. When a user attempts to access a resource, StrongDM authenticates the user against the organization’s identity provider (e.g., Okta, Active Directory) and then checks the user’s permissions. If authorized, StrongDM dynamically generates the necessary credentials and establishes a secure connection to the target resource, all without exposing those credentials to the user. This process ensures that access is secure and transparent, minimizing the risk of credential leakage or unauthorized access.

Advantages

• Credential Leasing. StrongDM adds credentials to the target database or server during the final step, ensuring users never access sensitive credentials directly. Credentials are unlocked at runtime with a “dual-key” system, requiring a valid proxy and user session for decryption.
• Secret Store. Uses AWS Key Management Service (KMS) for encryption, specifically authenticated encryption with associated data (AEAD). Credential activities are recorded in a secure audit log managed by a separate AWS account.
• Admin UI. Allows admins to manage access, roles, logs, replays, infrastructure, and settings. End users can download the StrongDM Desktop Application and CLI, and access documentation.
• Strong Vault. An encrypted repository for secrets, keys, and credentials. Though it uses AWS, StrongDM supports various vault options like Azure Key Vault, CyberArk (Conjur and Digital Vault), Delinea Secrets Server, Hashicorp Vault, GCP Secrets Manager, and Amazon Secrets Manager.

Disadvantages

• Database Selection Delays and UX Overhaul. Users experience delays in database accessibility post-approval and challenges adapting to significant UX changes, alongside cumbersome web-based login processes.
• Automation and Discovery Limitations. Requires manual creation of automation and scripts (e.g., registration), lacking autodiscovery and cloud visibility, with agent stability issues and API-only support for certain options.

Pricing

• Essentials: $70 per user/month (annual plan only).
• Enterprise: Contact sales.
• GovCloud: Contact sales.

4. Netwrix Data Access Governance

Netwrix Data Access Governance is an extension of the broader Netwrix cybersecurity framework, specifically developed to enhance the control and monitoring of access to sensitive and critical data across an organization’s IT environment. This includes files, documents, and emails stored across various data repositories such as file servers, SharePoint sites, and cloud storage services.

How Netwrix Works

Netwrix focuses on data-centric access governance, providing deep visibility into who has access to unstructured and structured data, how they received it, and whether their permissions are appropriate. The platform continuously monitors and reports on access changes across on-premises and cloud environments.

Advantages

• Lockdown Endpoint Privilege. Prevents the risk of malware, ransomware, and noncompliance by delegating only the permissions standard users need, not local admin rights.
• Zero-Standing Privilege. Minimizes attack surface by replacing standing privileges with on-demand accounts and ensures just-in-time (JIT) access across all platforms, including databases.
• Local Administrator Security. Shuts down attack vectors while still enabling users to perform specific tasks that require elevated privileges on their machines.

Disadvantages

• Delayed Support Response. Resolving issues with support can be slow, often taking days to weeks, due to reliance on email communication and limited scheduling availability.
• Complex Report Setup. Setting up reports can be challenging due to confusing instructions, although support can guide the process and address related issues.

Pricing

Netwrix doesn’t offer transparent pricing. Contact them directly for a quote.

5. SecurEnds

SecurEnds is a cloud-based security and compliance solution specializing in Credential Entitlement Management (CEM). It helps organizations manage and audit user credentials and entitlements across various cloud and on-premises systems, addressing critical aspects of identity governance, including access reviews and compliance reporting.

How SecurEnds Works

1. Loading of Employee Data. Employee information from HR Management Systems (e.g., ADP, Ultipro, Paycom, Workday) is imported via built-in connectors or files.
2. Identity Integration. Connectors retrieve identities from various sources, including enterprise applications (Active Directory, Salesforce), databases (SQL Server, MySQL), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
3. Access Review Setup. Application owners or managers organize periodic or one-off access reviews based on roles or attributes, tracking changes through delta campaigns.
4. Analytics & Governance. An AI/ML module analyzes access for irregularities, focusing on risk profiles and excessive privileges.

Advantages

• Unified Identity Repository. A centralized database designed to aggregate and manage digital identities across the entire organizational ecosystem.
• Identity-Centric Mind Map Visualization. An advanced query and filtering mechanism that allows stakeholders to refine the visualization based on specific criteria.
• Centralized Audit Trail Management System. Integrates advanced remediation capabilities directly within the audit trail framework.
• Role-Based Review Allocation and Execution. Intelligently assigns review tasks to the appropriate reviewers based on their organizational role, domain of responsibility, or specific expertise.

Disadvantages

• Limited Customization. Frequent technical problems, no option to customize notification delivery, limited variables for email configuration, and no direct way to review separation of duties.
• Poor Alerting and Intelligence. Room for improvement in alerting mechanisms and identity intelligence for advanced use.
• Complex Endpoint Setup. Configuring endpoints as the source for employee/manager relationships can be complex and challenging.

Pricing

Contact SecurEnds for more information.

6. SolarWinds Access Rights Manager (ARM)

SolarWinds Access Rights Manager (ARM) is an access rights management tool that monitors, analyzes, and manages user permissions. It provides a graphical representation of access rights across the network, making it easier to identify who has access to sensitive data and whether their access level is appropriate.

How SolarWinds ARM Works

ARM provides administrators with a centralized location to manage user accounts and access rights through deep integration with Active Directory and Group Policy Objects (GPOs). The platform captures and analyzes user activities, permission changes, access logs, and system configurations within environments including Active Directory, file servers, SharePoint, Exchange, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SAP/R3.

Advantages

• Active Directory and Group Policy Integration. ARM deeply integrates with Active Directory and GPOs, providing tools to manage user accounts and access rights from a centralized location.
• Decentralized Access Rights Management via Self-Service Portal. ARM decentralizes management by allowing data owners to directly oversee and delegate access to resources under their control.
• Granular Data Collection. ARM’s auditing system captures and analyzes user activities, permission changes, and access logs across multiple environments.

Disadvantages

• Outdated User Interface. Multiple reviewers note that the GUI feels dated, having been designed over a decade ago and not keeping pace with modern interface standards. As one G2 reviewer noted: the interface “remains unchanged from years ago” once logged in.
• Challenges with Cloud Service Integration. Configuring the solution with cloud-based services like Microsoft Exchange Online is difficult, a notable gap as more organizations shift to hybrid and cloud environments.
• Limited Large-Scale Reporting. While basic reporting works well, users have flagged the need for improvements when generating reports at scale across large environments.

Pricing

SolarWinds ARM pricing is not publicly disclosed. Contact SolarWinds for flexible licensing options.

7. Evidian IGA

Evidian Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) integrates a robust set of governance tools designed to streamline the oversight of identity-related risks and compliance with regulatory standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, and more.

How Evidian Works

Evidian IGA offers tools for defining, enforcing, and reviewing access policies and controls. It allows organizations to implement role-based access control (RBAC), segregation of duties (SoD) policies, and least privilege access. The solution automates the entire lifecycle of user identities, from creation through modification to deletion.

Advantages

• Advanced Privileged Account Management Integration. Evidian IGA ensures interoperability with top market solutions, including PAM platforms like CyberArk and Wallix and ITSM tools such as ServiceNow.
• Unified Audit Event Consolidation. Aggregates audit events from various sources into a centralized database, leveraging Enterprise Single Sign-On (SSO) and Web Access Manager.
• Workflow and Policy Engine. Automates the entire lifecycle of user identities including provisioning and deprovisioning access rights.

Disadvantages

• Storage and Security Concerns. Additional space is needed for user, roles, and permissions databases. Storing this data on the public cloud may introduce security risks.
• Usability and Performance Challenges. Steep learning curve, outdated user interface, underdeveloped reporting features, and unclear error messages. Performance issues arise with high-volume provisioning.

Pricing

Contact Evidian for more information.

8. SAP Access Control and Governance

SAP Access Control and Governance, part of SAP’s broader GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) portfolio, is designed to streamline access rights management and ensure compliance across SAP environments (including SAP ERP and S/4HANA).

How SAP Access Control Works

SAP Access Control utilizes a powerful business rule framework that allows organizations to define and enforce their access policies. This framework supports the customization of SoD rules and risk analysis criteria. The solution also employs Firefighter IDs (FFIDs) for temporary, auditable emergency access.

Advantages

• Controlled Access via Firefighter IDs (FFIDs). Grants temporary, highly restricted privileges to designated users, enabling swift response to critical incidents while maintaining a comprehensive audit trail.
• Enhanced System Interaction Tracking. Captures and syncs information on Web Dynpro components and Business Server Page (BSP) applications within the system.
• Asynchronous Risk Analysis Process. Conducts risk analysis asynchronously at two critical junctures — request submission and request approval — ensuring timely and contextually relevant risk evaluation.

Disadvantages

• Complex Customization and Outdated Interface. High customization capabilities make setup difficult, and the interface is outdated.
• Account Management and Navigation Challenges. Account recovery requires significant time with administrator assistance, and navigating between servers is complicated.
• Third-Party Integration and Log Limitations. Integrating external systems is challenging, with a steep learning curve and limited log details complicating troubleshooting.
• Complexity and Lock-in Concerns. SAP IdM’s complexity and cost make it challenging, particularly for small businesses, with significant implications for switching systems.

Pricing

Contact SAP Access Control for more information.

9. Zluri

Zluri is a unified access management solution providing tools for IT teams to discover, manage, optimize, and secure SaaS applications throughout the organization. It uses advanced techniques to catalog all SaaS applications, including unauthorized ones (shadow IT), offering complete visibility and improved management of the SaaS stack.

How Zluri Works

Zluri’s architecture utilizes AWS Web Application Firewalls, subnets, and security gateways to restrict data flow. Communications between the application and users are secured through HTTPS and TLS v1.2 or higher, and authentication is handled by Auth0, incorporating SSO options from Google, Microsoft Office 365, and others. AWS load balancers manage incoming traffic, and the AWS firewall blocks unauthorized and malicious traffic, including DDoS and SQL injection attacks.

Advantages

• Secure Data Encryption and Backup Policies. All data stored within Zluri’s platform is encrypted, with data backup maintained for up to 60 days.
• SAML-Based Authentication Integration. Supports integration of SAML-based authentication mechanisms with IdPs such as Okta, Microsoft Azure, and G Suite.
• Pre-configured Roles for Granular Access Control. Equipped with various pre-configured roles defining distinct access permission levels within the platform.

Disadvantages

• Data Accuracy and Integration Challenges. User data from multiple sources can be inaccurate, and difficulties arise from incomplete application integrations in Zluri’s catalog alongside outdated integration instructions.
• Information Overload and Usability Issues. The app presents overwhelming information, leading to navigation difficulties, a challenging onboarding process, and areas needing quality assurance.
• Direct Transaction Access Desired. Users would benefit from direct access to transactions in Netsuite via integration, indicating a need for improved integration features.

Pricing

Contact Zluri for more information.

10. Zilla Security (now CyberArk IGA)

Note: In February 2025, CyberArk acquired Zilla Security for up to $175 million. Zilla’s AI-powered IGA capabilities — including Zilla Comply and Zilla Provisioning — are now part of the CyberArk Identity Security Platform. The information below reflects the combined offering.

👉 Related: 7 Best Zilla (now CyberArk IGA) Alternatives for 2026

Zilla Security, now operating under CyberArk IGA, is a modern cloud security and compliance platform designed to help organizations secure their cloud environments and ensure compliance with various regulatory standards. It provides comprehensive visibility into cloud infrastructure, applications, and data across multiple cloud service providers (AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform). The platform supports automated compliance assessments against frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and SOC 2.

How CyberArk IGA (formerly Zilla) Works

The platform leverages advanced robotic process automation (RPA) and AI to automate the extraction of user accounts and permissions from integrated applications. It supports secure CSV import through FTP connections encrypted using SSL/TLS, and provides no-code integration with systems that offer REST API support.

Advantages

• Automated User Account and Permission Retrieval. Leverages advanced RPA techniques to automate the extraction of user accounts and their associated permissions from integrated applications.
• Secure Data Import. Supports secure importation of CSV files through encrypted FTP connections from legacy systems and on-premises applications.
• No-Code Integration. Offers a no-code solution for integrating with most systems that provide REST API support.

Disadvantages

• Documentation and Complexity Issues. CyberArk’s product documentation has been a pain point for some admins — finding specific procedures can be harder than it should be.
• Interface Feels Dated. Some users report that CyberArk’s interface can feel dated compared to more modern IGA tools. If a polished, intuitive UX is important to your team’s adoption, this is worth evaluating during a trial.
• Upgrade Stability Concerns. Some users report that CyberArk upgrades don’t always go smoothly, with updates occasionally breaking functionality.
• Limited Granular Reporting. Reporting gets the job done at a high level, but finer-grained views aren’t always available out of the box.

Pricing

Contact CyberArk for more information on pricing. Note that Zilla’s products are now bundled within CyberArk’s broader identity security platform.

11. SailPoint Identity Security Cloud

SailPoint provides robust identity governance capabilities, enabling organizations to define and enforce access policies, conduct access reviews, and manage roles and entitlements. SailPoint’s platform — now branded as SailPoint Identity Security Cloud (previously known as IdentityNow) — automates the entire lifecycle of user access, from onboarding to offboarding.

👉 Related: 10 Best SailPoint Alternatives (Rated by User Reviews)

How SailPoint Identity Security Cloud Works

SailPoint Identity Security Cloud is built on a scalable framework (SailPoint Atlas) that can accommodate the growing identity needs of large enterprises. It supports a broad range of applications and data on-premises and in the cloud. With its AI and Machine Learning capabilities, SailPoint can detect anomalous access patterns and potential security threats, providing recommendations for strengthening identity security.

Advantages

• Granular Analysis. Provides deep visibility into and detailed analysis of user access histories, enabling organizations to understand exactly how access rights are being utilized.
• Access Review Automation. SailPoint Identity Security Cloud offers a robust solution for automating the entire spectrum of access review workflows from initiation to completion.
• Mobile Approval for Access Requests. Enables the approval of emergency access requests via mobile devices to enhance flexibility.
• Pre-approved Super-User Profiles. Offers quick configuring and utilizing pre-approved super-user profiles to expedite provisioning during emergencies.

Disadvantages

• Poor Customer Support. The product’s complexity leads to bugs and cache problems, necessitating lengthy support processes with SailPoint, which sometimes fail to resolve issues effectively.
• Cache Issues and Save Failures. Working on rules or workflows is hindered by cache problems, especially when working across multiple tabs, leading to unreflected changes.
• Limited Customization in SailPoint Identity Security Cloud. The SaaS platform offers minimal customization options compared to the on-premises version (IdentityIQ), creating bottlenecks for certain requirements.
• Cloud Version Limitations. SailPoint Identity Security Cloud offers less customization than the on-premises version, and customizable connector views are needed to better serve different customer use cases.
• Lack of Traditional Governance Features. The SaaS platform misses some traditional identity governance capabilities, particularly in generating or consuming CSV files.

Pricing

Contact SailPoint for more information.

ConductorOne — Simplify Access Control with Modern IGA

ConductorOne offers a modern Identity Governance (IGA) solution to simplify access control across complex environments. With ConductorOne, organizations can gain visibility, automate access reviews and reporting, manage the identity lifecycle, and enforce policy-driven access controls — all from a single platform.

• Automated quarterly user access review campaigns for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS.
• 95% reduction in IT effort required to process access request tickets.
• One place to view and audit access continuously and enforce least privilege access controls.

💡Recommended Watch → Get the Job Done with ConductorOne

View and manage identity across your environment. Pull fine-grained identity data from cloud and on-prem apps, directories, and infrastructure into one pane of glass for comprehensive visibility and control. Use powerful search and visualization tools to surface access insights and risks quickly.

Streamline access certifications and auditor-ready reporting. Customize and run automated user access reviews with multi-step reviewer policies, Slack notifications, auto approvals, and zero-touch deprovisioning. Generate accurate, auditor-ready reports in one click.

Enable self-service requests and enforce just-in-time access. Allow users to request access to any app, group, role, or permission with a self-service experience in Slack, CLI, or web app and automatic provisioning on approval. Move to zero standing privileges with automated JIT provisioning.

Manage the entire identity lifecycle. Simplify onboarding and offboarding with automated multi-step provisioning and deprovisioning workflows, including delegated requests. Easily detect and revoke unused access, orphaned accounts, and deactivated users.

Configure policy-driven access controls. Create zero-touch, conditional, and multi-step approval policies. Remove access based on time, non-usage, or changed justification. Force a re-request for especially risky access.

Leverage AI for helpdesk automation. Automate helpdesk ticket processing with AI. Access Copilot reads, approves, and provisions helpdesk access requests. Your IT team will never touch another access request ticket.

Govern non-human identities. Discover, inventory, and secure service accounts, API keys, tokens, certificates, and AI agents from a single platform with NHI governance.

Enjoy a developer-friendly experience. Technical teams love ConductorOne. Configure the platform using Terraform, request access with the command line (Cone), and leverage the ConductorOne API to drive automation.

ACCESS CONTROLS FOR THE MODERN ENTERPRISE

Secure your company with unified access visibility, just-in-time access, self-service requests, and automated access reviews — all from a single platform.

👉 Try ConductorOne today 👈

Further reading:

• What is Access Governance?
• 12 Best IGA Vendors & Providers Heading Into 2026
• Top 5 Challenges in IGA (and How to Solve Them)
• 10 Best Identity and Access Management (IAM) Tools in 2026
• User Access Reviews: Process & Best Practices Checklist
• 12 Best Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Tools for 2026
• 9 Best Microsoft Entra ID Governance Alternatives for 2026
• Non-Human Identity Management
• Risks of Weak Identity Governance in 2026