Privileged Access Management

TL;DR: Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a security strategy that controls and monitors access to critical systems by users with elevated permissions, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyber threats.

What is Privileged Access Management?

_PAM is a cybersecurity framework that restricts and oversees access to sensitive systems, accounts, and data by privileged users, such as IT administrators and executives. It helps prevent unauthorized access, insider threats, and credential misuse by enforcing strict access controls and monitoring user activity.

How Does Privileged Access Management Work?

Discovery of Privileged Accounts – Identifies and categorizes privileged accounts across the organization.
Access Control – Limits access based on the principle of least privilege, granting only necessary permissions.
Credential Management – Stores and rotates privileged account credentials in a secure vault.
Session Monitoring – Records and audits privileged user sessions for security oversight.
Risk-Based Authentication – Uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) and behavior analytics to enhance security.

Types of Privileged Access Management

Password Vaulting – Secures and automates privileged credential management.
Session Management – Monitors and records privileged sessions for audit and compliance.
Just-in-Time (JIT) Access – Grants temporary privileged access to reduce exposure.
Privilege Elevation & Delegation Management (PEDM) – Controls which users can elevate their privileges and for how long.

How to Implement Privileged Access Management

Identify Privileged Accounts – Audit and classify privileged users and systems.
Enforce Least Privilege – Restrict access to only what is necessary.
Use Secure Credential Storage – Implement a password vault with automated rotation.
Enable Continuous Monitoring – Record and analyze privileged sessions for anomalies.
Integrate with Security Systems – Connect PAM with identity management and SIEM tools for enhanced protection.