# IAM workflows with device identity

IAM verifies the user, not the device. Smallstep adds device identity to authentication so only trusted devices, services, and modern AI and MCP workloads can access critical infrastructure.

## Eliminate the risk of unverified devices

Most IAM solutions authenticate users but still allow access from unmanaged, unpatched, or compromised endpoints. MFA alone can’t stop attackers using stolen credentials on unauthorized devices. Without verifying device identity, compromised passwords remain a critical vulnerability, creating significant blind spots in your security posture. Smallstep eliminates this gap by ensuring every login is from a trusted, approved device.

### Add Zero Trust protection for every app and endpoint

IAM effectively secures apps and cloud services—but what about Git, SSH, VPNs, and APIs? Smallstep extends strong device identity verification to every resource your engineers rely on, ensuring comprehensive security across your infrastructure.

### Stronger security, no extra steps for users

Smallstep integrates seamlessly with Okta and Entra ID as an external IdP, verifying device identity behind the scenes before allowing login. Unauthorized devices never get past the sign-in screen. Users continue logging in exactly as before—no extra prompts, just enhanced protection through transparent device checks.

### Block session hijacking, phishing & replay attacks

IAM solutions typically don't verify where credentials are being used—leaving you vulnerable if attackers steal session cookies or tokens. Smallstep integrates with your MDM (Jamf, Intune, etc.) to bind authentication directly to trusted devices, blocking replay attacks, token theft, and unauthorized endpoints before they can even attempt access.

## Lock down critical endpoints

Smallstep ensures only authorized, hardware-attested devices can securely access critical resources, including:

- **SaaS Apps:** Okta, Google Workspace, Salesforce
- **SSH & Git:** GitHub, internal servers
- **Cloud Consoles:** AWS, GCP, Azure
- **VPN & ZTNA:** Tailscale, Zscaler, Cloudflare Access
- **Production Systems:** CI/CD pipelines, database clusters

...and much more.

## Smallstep + IAM

Smallstep Device Identity for Okta® - YouTube

[Smallstep Device Identity for Okta®](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuW3GwF4nQY)

Smallstep811 subscribers

## Learn more about the platform

The Smallstep platform helps mitigate numerous cybersecurity threats – from phishing to advanced hardware attacks – without impacting end-user workflows.

[Learn more](/content/platform/index.html)

## Enforce device identity everywhere

Whether you’re working towards a compliance standard, closing gaps in policy enforcement, or preventing nation-state attacks, our team is here to show you how Smallstep can help.

[Book a demo](/content/webforms/book-a-demo/index.html)

## FAQs IAM

### How does Smallstep IAM differ from traditional identity management systems?

### Why does modern IAM require hardware-backed device identity?

### How does Smallstep unify user identity, device identity, and workload identity?

### How does Smallstep IAM enforce Zero Trust across authentication workflows?

### How does Smallstep integrate with Okta, Entra, and Google Workspace?

### Can Smallstep IAM enforce device trust for SaaS applications?

### How does Smallstep IAM support workload-to-workload authentication?

### What granularity of access policy does Smallstep IAM support?

### How does Smallstep ensure fast, reliable authentication at scale?

### Does Smallstep IAM replace or integrate with MDM, EDR, NAC?

### How does Smallstep handle revocation in IAM workflows?

### What makes Smallstep IAM suitable for Zero Trust in hybrid enterprises?