Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) is a framework designed to manage registration, authentication, and access control for external users such as customers, partners, and end-users, prioritizing both security and user experience. CIAM solutions offer streamlined logins, data privacy controls, and various authentication options, balancing robust security with a seamless user experience. These solutions are increasingly essential as businesses look to reduce customer churn and improve user adoption by offering personalized, frictionless interactions. CIAM platforms support features like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), federated authentication, self-service account management, and data governance, often hosted as Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS) platforms on the cloud. They differ from traditional Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems, which are more internally focused on employees and prioritize security over user experience. CIAM solutions are applicable across various industries, including ecommerce, finance, healthcare, travel, and public services, providing tailored authentication processes and secure access to services. As the market for CIAM grows, businesses must evaluate potential providers based on their authentication method support, customizability, integration capabilities, and reliability to ensure they meet evolving identity management needs.