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Why your startup should use Keycloak for SSO and User Management - Part 2: Data

· 4 min read
Phase Two
Phase Two
Hosted Keycloak and Keycloak Support
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In this series we are proposing Keycloak as a superior alternative to commercial identity offerings.

Part 2 - Owning Your Data: Security, Privacy, and Control​

In the age of data breaches and privacy concerns, owning and controlling your user data is not just a preference but a strategic imperative for organizations, particularly when it comes to Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions. Let's explore the reasons why owning your data matters and the risks associated with entrusting it to a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution.

  1. Data Security: By hosting your IAM solution on-premise on your own infrastructure, or with a hybrid that allows you to control the database, you retain control over the security measures implemented to safeguard your user data. This includes encryption protocols, access controls, network security configurations, and intrusion detection systems. With data breaches becoming increasingly common, maintaining tight control over your data security posture is paramount for protecting sensitive information and mitigating risks.

  2. Data Privacy Compliance: Depending on your industry or geographical location, you may be subject to stringent data privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). By owning your data, you can ensure compliance with these regulations through appropriate data handling practices, transparent communication with users about data collection and usage, and streamlined management of data subject access requests (DSAR's) and consent processes.

  3. Customization and Integration: When you own your data, you have the freedom to customize your IAM solution and integrate it seamlessly with other systems and applications within your organization's ecosystem. This level of flexibility enables you to tailor the solution to meet your specific business requirements, streamline workflows, and enhance operational efficiency. In contrast, SaaS solutions may impose limitations on customization and integration, hindering your ability to adapt the solution to evolving business needs. For example, with Keycloak, you can create custom authentication flows, such as multi-factor authentication with step-up policies based on user roles or risk profiles, or integrate Keycloak with your CRM to automatically sync user permissions with customer account changes.

Risks of SaaS Data Hosting​

While SaaS solutions offer convenience and ease of deployment, they also present inherent risks when it comes to hosting your user data:

  1. Data Access and Control: Entrusting your user data to a SaaS provider means relinquishing control over how that data is stored, accessed, and managed. You are reliant on the provider to implement robust security measures and adhere to data privacy regulations, with limited visibility and oversight on your part.

  2. Vendor Lock-In: Adopting a SaaS IAM solution may result in vendor lock-in, where migrating away from the solution becomes challenging or costly. This lock-in can restrict your ability to switch providers or transition to a self-hosted solution in the future, potentially limiting your flexibility and independence.

  3. Data Sovereignty Concerns: Depending on the jurisdiction in which the SaaS provider operates, you may encounter data sovereignty issues that impact your ability to control where your data is stored and processed. This lack of control over data residency can complicate compliance efforts and expose your organization to regulatory risks.

Conclusion: Empowering Organizations with Data Ownership​

In conclusion, owning and controlling your user data offers numerous benefits, including enhanced security, compliance, customization, and integration capabilities. While SaaS solutions may offer convenience, organizations must carefully weigh the risks associated with relinquishing control over their data and consider the long-term implications for security, privacy, and regulatory compliance.

In order to provide customers who are used to SaaS solutions with flexibility in data sovereignty, Phase Two has developed "BYODB" (bring your own Database). BYODB allows customers the ability to benefit from the ease, scalability, and robustness of our hosted offering while still owning and controlling their data.

For those hosting Keycloak entirely themselves, Phase Two offers Enterprise level support to ensure that systems are properly configured, setup, upgraded, and managed by customers.

By prioritizing data ownership and implementing robust IAM solutions that align with organizational objectives and values, organizations can mitigate risks, safeguard sensitive information, and maintain sovereignty over their data assets in an increasingly interconnected and data-driven world.

Read Part 1: Standards or [Part 3: ](Customizability for Tailored Solutions) now

Get in touch at sales@phasetwo.io to learn more.