In identity management, what is the purpose of Directory Synchronization?

Directory Synchronization serves a vital role in identity management by ensuring that user data is consistent across multiple systems and platforms. This process involves automatically updating and aligning user information, such as usernames, passwords, roles, and attributes, across different directories or databases.

Maintaining synchronized user data is critical in environments with multiple systems (for instance, an on-premises directory and a cloud-based directory). It helps streamline user management, reduces the risk of discrepancies, and enhances the overall efficiency of identity governance. By keeping user data synchronized, organizations can ensure that all systems reflect the most current information, facilitating accurate access controls and authentication processes.

The other options focus on specific functionalities or methodologies that do not directly relate to the primary function of Directory Synchronization. For instance, two-factor authentication is a security measure used to enhance user verification but does not involve synchronizing data. Isolating single applications pertains to application-level security rather than user data management, and role-based access control is about managing user privileges based on their roles rather than the synchronization of user information across systems.