Full Definition
What is Privileged Access Management?
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a security discipline that focuses on controlling, monitoring, and securing privileged access to critical systems. It protects organizations from threats posed by credential theft and privilege misuse.
Privileged Accounts
Administrative Accounts
- System admins
- Database admins
- Network admins
Service Accounts
- Application accounts
- Automated processes
- Integration accounts
Emergency Accounts
- Break-glass access
- Disaster recovery
- Incident response
PAM Capabilities
Credential Vaulting
- Secure storage
- Password rotation
- Check-in/check-out
Session Management
- Session recording
- Live monitoring
- Keystroke logging
Just-in-Time Access
- Temporary elevation
- Time-limited access
- Approval workflows
Least Privilege
- Minimal permissions
- Role-based access
- Segregation of duties
Implementation Components
Password Vault Secure credential storage.
Session Manager Control and record sessions.
Access Gateway Proxy privileged access.
Discovery Find privileged accounts.
Benefits
- Reduced breach risk
- Compliance support
- Audit capabilities
- Insider threat protection
Solutions
- CyberArk
- BeyondTrust
- Thycotic
- HashiCorp Vault