Lifecycle management of identities in the context of NIST standards refers to the processes and practices used to manage the creation, maintenance, and deactivation of user identities throughout their entire lifecycle within an organization's system. This process is crucial to ensuring that identities are securely managed, verified, and authenticated according to recognized security frameworks, such as those outlined in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines.

NIST has established standards and guidelines (such as NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-63, and NIST SP 800-63A/B/C) that define how to manage identity lifecycle processes, ensuring that user identities are properly controlled, authorized, and maintained. These standards address various aspects of identity management, including identity proofing, credential issuance, and identity revocation.

NIST standards provide a structured approach to managing identity-related processes, ensuring that the lifecycle of identities—from their creation to deactivation—is secure, auditable, and compliant with best practices for cybersecurity and privacy. NIST’s guidelines emphasize a risk-based approach to identity management, recommending controls based on the level of assurance required for different types of users, systems, and data.

By adhering to NIST standards, organizations ensure they maintain a robust identity lifecycle management framework that can adapt to evolving security threats, regulatory requirements, and operational needs. This is critical in minimizing the risk of unauthorized access, identity theft, or insider threats, while promoting user privacy and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.