Highlights:

  • PAM grants select users elevated access to critical resources, revoking it once tasks are completed.
  • PAM solutions reduce the need for users to remember multiple passwords, enabling super users to manage privileged access through a single interface instead of across various systems.

Privileged access management, also known as privileged account management, is a critical issue today due to frequent data breaches linked to misuse or poor protection of privileged credentials.

Such misuse allows bad actors to easily access or steal sensitive data, often taking months or years to detect and investigate. How can you identify and track which accounts are privileged and who in your company has access to them?

Typically, accounts with access to personal, financial, or confidential information are considered privileged. Each organization must define what constitutes privileged data, determine which accounts are privileged, and manage access to ensure compliance and governance.

Access control for privileged accounts has traditionally been managed by Privilege Account Management (PAM) technologies. However, these conventional PAM solutions are often standalone and lack integration with identity governance and administration (IGA) technologies, which limits control, visibility, and governance over user access to privileged resources.

PAM systems are designed to provide scalable and secure methods for authorizing and monitoring privileged accounts across various systems. Their main functions include:

  • Granting user privileges
  • Managing temporary privileged access for specific tasks
  • Controlling access to privileged passwords
  • Tracking privileged activity for reporting and auditing

What are Privileges and How Are They Created?

In the world of IT, a privilege is like a special key that allows a user, program, or process to do things that regular users can’t. Essentially, it provides elevated permissions that enable individuals or systems to bypass certain security protocols and execute critical actions, such as shutting down systems, modifying network configurations, or managing user accounts. This level of access is essential for maintaining operational efficiency but must be carefully controlled to safeguard against potential security risks.

Privileges are necessary because they help users, programs, and other processes do their jobs efficiently. Moreover, they can also be a security risk if they are misused or abused by insiders or attackers.

Privileges are built into different parts of a computer system, like operating systems, file systems, applications, and cloud platforms. They can also be assigned by people who have special privileges, such as system administrators.

Sometimes, privileges are given based on a person’s role or department, like marketing, HR, or IT. Other factors like seniority or specific situations might also be considered.

How Does Privileged Access Management Work?

Privileged access management entails granting specific users elevated access to essential business resources, accounts, and credentials required for their job functions. This privilege is temporary and is revoked immediately upon the completion of the designated task.

In essence, privileged access allows users to access and manage crucial accounts, credentials, systems, servers, and databases to perform essential tasks. Managing this access involves overseeing and controlling these privileges.

While privileged access is vital for executing job-critical functions, it also carries a high risk of exposure. Compromised privileged accounts or users can lead to significant security issues.

Therefore, privileged access management includes continuous monitoring of users to prevent misuse of access rights. This entails regularly reviewing and adjusting assigned privileges and revoking excess rights when a user’s role changes.

How Does PAM Security Prevent Cyberattacks?

PAM tools are essential for enhancing security, safeguarding businesses from hackers, and preventing cyberattacks.

Privileged users, such as domain administrators, often struggle with managing passwords across multiple accounts and are prime targets for cybercriminals. PAM solutions help mitigate these risks by monitoring and securely storing privileged account credentials in a digital vault, reducing the likelihood of cyberattacks.

PAM solutions minimize the need for users to remember numerous passwords, allowing super users to manage privileged access from a single interface rather than multiple systems. They also help prevent insider threats from former employees whose access rights have not been properly revoked. Alerts and session management features enable real-time threat detection for administrators.

Additionally, PAM solutions support compliance with stringent data and privacy regulations. They enforce restricted access to sensitive data and systems, mandate additional approvals, and integrate security measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) for privileged accounts.

PAM auditing tools provide a clear audit trail, aiding compliance with regulations like the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Creating a Privileged Access Management (PAM) Strategy

Creating a well-rounded PAM strategy is critical for effectively managing and securing privileged accounts.

Begin by reviewing your current privileged access management practices to identify any vulnerabilities or gaps. From this assessment, establish clear goals for your strategy—whether to minimize breach risks, meet regulatory standards, or enhance security practices. Ensure that these objectives align with your organization’s broader business priorities.

Once goals are set, outline how you will leverage best practices and PAM tools to implement Zero Trust Access. Focus on safeguarding systems, limiting lateral movement across networks, and responding swiftly to potential security threats.

Here are some of the best practices:

  • Assess your current privileged access management (PAM) environment.
  • Develop a formal policy for privileged account passwords.
  • Replace default usernames and passwords.
  • Control shared accounts effectively.
  • Track and audit privileged account activity.
  • Apply the principle of least privilege.
  • Establish governance over privileged access.
  • Secure organization-wide support for PAM policies.

Why Is Privileged Access Management (PAM) Crucial for Your Organization?

Conclusion

Securing sensitive data and critical systems is essential in today’s cybersecurity landscape. Privileged access management (PAM) is vital for controlling and monitoring access to important resources and credentials. It mitigates risks by granting elevated access only when needed and revoking it after tasks are complete.

Integrating PAM with identity governance enhances control and compliance. A strong PAM strategy, including continuous monitoring and adherence to best practices, helps protect against internal and external threats while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Finally, investing in PAM not only protects data but strengthens overall security, helping your organization stay resilient against potential threats.