Privileged Access Management

• Privileged Access Management (PAM) refers to a set of cybersecurity strategies and technologies for exerting control over the elevated ("privileged") access and permissions enjoyed by users, accounts, processes, and systems across an IT environment.
  • PAM encompasses a broader range of controls and technologies specifically designed to protect privileged access to critical IT assets and infrastructure than Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
• PAM includes several key functions and features:
  • Credential Management
    • Securely manages the credentials for privileged accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
    • This includes automated password rotation, secure storage of credentials, and controlled access to passwords.
  • Session Management
    • Monitors, manages, and records sessions that involve elevated privileges.
    • This allows organizations to audit activities and track any changes made during these sessions, providing forensic capabilities to trace any issues back to specific actions.
  • Access Control
    • Implements strict authentication and authorization procedures to ensure that only authorized personnel can gain access to critical systems and data.
    • This might include MFA and biometric verification methods.
  • Least Privilege
    • Enforces the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users, accounts, and processes are granted only the minimum levels of access necessary to perform their functions.
    • This increases difficulty in gaining access to privileged accounts and limits the potential damage of a breach involving a privileged account.
  • Threat Detection and Response
    • Integrates with security systems to detect unusual activities that might indicate a security threat.
    • PAM solutions can automatically respond to potential threats by revoking access or alerting security personnel.
  • Audit and Compliance Reporting
    • Generates detailed logs and reports for all privileged session activities, which are essential for compliance with regulatory standards and for conducting internal audits.

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