Privileged Access Management (PAM)

Short Definition

Privileged Access Management (PAM) is the practice of securing, controlling, and monitoring accounts that have elevated permissions, such as admins, root users, or service accounts.

Deep Technical Explanation

Privileged accounts are the most dangerous attack vector because they allow full access to systems. Privileged Access Management (PAM) ensures these accounts are protected, monitored, and governed according to strict security policies.

Key elements include:

1. Least privilege enforcement
Users only get the minimum permissions needed.

2. Credential vaulting
Admin passwords are stored in secure, encrypted vaults.

3. Just-in-Time (JIT) access
Admin rights are granted only for a limited time and revoked automatically.

4. Session monitoring
Recording privileged sessions for auditing and forensic analysis.

5. Multi-factor authentication
Mandatory MFA for all privileged accounts.

6. Service account security
Rotating credentials, restricting permissions, and monitoring behavior.

7. Continuous monitoring
Tracking privileged account behavior through SIEM and identity logs.

Typical Privileged Access Management platforms include CyberArk for enterprise grade credential vaulting and session monitoring, BeyondTrust for privilege control and remote access security, Delinea Secret Server for password rotation and auditing, Microsoft Entra PIM for just in time admin access in Microsoft and Azure environments, One Identity Safeguard for session recording and compliance reporting, ManageEngine PAM360 for mid market privilege management, and KeeperPAM as a cloud first PAM solution for SaaS and DevOps teams.