How is identity management best defined?

Identity management is best defined as the processes and technologies used to manage user identities and ensure appropriate access to resources. This definition encompasses key aspects of identity management, such as user provisioning, authentication, authorization, and the lifecycle management of user accounts.

The primary function of identity management is to ensure that the right individuals have appropriate access to technology resources while maintaining the security and governance of the identities themselves. This also includes maintaining user information, managing role-based access, and ensuring compliance with regulations regarding personal data and access control.

The other options, while relevant to aspects of security and identity control, do not capture the full scope of identity management. Enhancing system performance relates more to system optimization rather than identity governance. Protecting data integrity is focused on data security principles rather than the management of user identities. Lastly, while secure password creation is an important aspect of security, it is just one component of the broader identity management landscape, which encompasses many processes beyond just password enforcement.