Identity access management (IAM) is a security framework that manages and ensures the correct access of identities to resources in the cloud. It includes policies, technologies, and protocols that help companies have greater control over user access edge devices, reduce the attack surface, and keep track of data interactions. IAM is essential in cloud computing because it helps companies enforce authentication policies for specific users and devices, reducing the risk of data unauthorized access and breaches, exfiltration, and loss leakage misuse.