Identity and access management (IAM) plays a crucial role in the Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer exam, comprising 30-35% of the overall assessment. IAM ensures that only authorized users have access to specific resources within Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This domain tests candidates on their understanding of IAM policies, roles, and permissions.
Proficiency in IAM is essential as it involves configuring user access controls, managing service accounts, and implementing best practices for least privilege access. Familiarity with IAM also aids candidates in developing secure applications, ensuring compliance, and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.