An Introduction to DAF ICAM
Start here if you are preparing to connect an application to DAF ICAM. For program scope and mission, see about DAF ICAM.
The challenge of a pre-DAF ICAM environment
In a traditional digital environment, access control was often managed in isolated pockets, creating significant challenges for both users and the organization.
Identity silos
Each application or system managed its own user accounts and passwords. Users had to remember numerous credentials, while administrators duplicated account-management effort across many systems.
Single Sign-On reduces repeated logins and duplicate account-management work.
Inconsistent security
Without a central authority, enforcing uniform policies such as password complexity or multi-factor authentication was nearly impossible, leaving security gaps adversaries could exploit.
Central services apply consistent authentication policies across connected applications.
Operational inefficiency
Onboarding and offboarding were slow, manual processes prone to error. Access requests could take days or weeks, and lingering accounts for separated personnel posed security risks.
Automated lifecycle workflows coordinate access changes as people join, move or leave.
Lack of visibility
Without a unified view, it was difficult to answer the critical question: “Who has access to what?” Auditing, compliance checks, and incident response were slow and ineffective.
Centralized access records give reviewers evidence for audits and incident response.
Prepare for onboarding
Register your application and complete its questionnaire so the enablement team can review your requirements.
- Identify the application owner, technical points of contact and current sign-in method.
- Gather the roles, entitlements and account-management requirements the application serves.
- Review preparation resources in Training and integration paths in the Enablement Center.
Need the terminology? Read what ICAM means. For mandates and deadlines, see policy and guidance and the Compliance Timeline.
Content last reviewed 29 October 2026. Next review due 27 January 2027.