Comparison

HELM vs identity

Identity proves who is acting. HELM proves whether that actor had authority for this side effect.

Identity

Where it helps

Authentication, roles, groups, tokens, and access boundaries.

Boundary

Where it stops

A valid identity can still attempt the wrong action, wrong scope, or wrong timing.

HELM

What changes

HELM evaluates context and policy at the action boundary, not just login state.

Does the proof say only who acted, or why the specific action was allowed?