What does the lifecycle state of an identity primarily define?

The lifecycle state of an identity is primarily concerned with the employment relationship of that identity. This includes the various statuses that an identity can hold over time, such as being employed, contracted, or terminated. By managing these lifecycle states, organizations can ensure that access permissions are appropriate for an individual's current role or relationship with the organization.

This relationship is critical because it influences how an identity is managed within the identity governance framework. For instance, when an employee is terminated, their identity should move to a terminated state, which typically results in the revocation of access to systems and data. Similarly, understanding if an individual is a contractor or a full-time employee affects how their access and engagement with organizational resources is handled.

While access permissions, security measures, and duration of activity are important aspects of identity management, they are secondary to the employment relationship, which fundamentally drives how identities are treated throughout their lifecycle. Therefore, focusing on the lifecycle state being tied to employment relationships is crucial in maintaining effective identity governance.