As businesses expand, the number of digital assets and IT systems they use also grows. However, this increases security risks, both from internal misuse of access and external threats such as hacking.
To prevent these risks, companies can implement Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions to secure their IT systems and business access. So, what exactly is PAM, and how does it benefit business security? Let’s dive into the details.
What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is the process used to manage access granted to users with elevated privileges, such as system administrators or other users with access to critical resources within an organization. PAM focuses on managing accounts with special permissions, enabling users to access sensitive data or systems.
The primary goal of PAM is to reduce the risks associated with privileged accounts, whether from irresponsible internal users or external threats. By managing and monitoring access to these accounts, PAM can minimize the potential for data breaches or access misuse.
How Does Privileged Access Management Work?
PAM works by identifying and controlling who has access to privileged accounts. This process involves the following steps:
- User Identification – Ensuring that only authorized users can access privileged accounts.
- Access Control – Limiting who can access sensitive data and when they can do so.
- Monitoring and Auditing – Tracking the activities of users with privileged access for security and auditing purposes.
- Session Management – Managing access sessions and terminating suspicious sessions when necessary.
4 Benefits of Privileged Access Management
PAM provides many benefits to companies, especially in enhancing security and operational efficiency. Here are four main benefits of PAM:
1. Protection Against Internal and External Threats
PAM helps protect businesses from threats that come both from within (e.g., irresponsible employees) and from external sources, such as hackers.
2. Reducing Malware Infections and Spread
If a high-privilege account is compromised, attackers could spread malware throughout the company’s network. PAM limits such access by enforcing strict controls, reducing the chances of malware infections and their spread.
3. Improving Operational Performance
PAM can also enhance operational efficiency. With better access management, IT teams can resolve technical tasks more quickly without compromising security. Using PAM helps manage access more effectively, improving speed and accuracy in day-to-day work.
4. Simplifying Compliance and Auditing Processes
By implementing PAM, companies can more easily comply with regulations. PAM helps track every activity involving access to sensitive data, simplifying the auditing process and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Privileged Access Management (PAM) vs Identity Access Management (IAM): Which is Better?
Here is a comparison between Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Identity Access Management (IAM) in table format:
| Feature | PAM (Privileged Access Management) | IAM (Identity Access Management) |
| Main Focus | Managing and controlling access to privileged accounts with access to critical data and systems. | Managing user access rights, both regular users and those with privileged access. |
| Access Level | Higher access with tighter control over critical accounts such as system administrators. | Access for all users, with role- or attribute-based access management. |
| Access Monitoring | In-depth, real-time monitoring of privileged account activities. | General access monitoring without specific focus on privileged accounts. |
| Usage | Used to secure and control access to sensitive systems and data. | Used to manage identities and access across the organization. |
| Security | Stricter, focused on accounts with full access to key company assets. | More general security, focused on preventing unauthorized access for all users. |
| Coverage | Manages access for privileged accounts that can alter critical systems or data. | Manages access for all users in the organization, whether privileged or not. |
Best Practices for Implementing PAM
Effective implementation of PAM requires a strategic approach. Some best practices for implementing PAM include:
- Risk Assessment – Identify potential risks from privileged accounts and determine appropriate controls.
- Use of Strong Passwords – Employ complex, unique passwords for each privileged account.
- Active Monitoring – Continuously monitor privileged accounts to detect suspicious activity more quickly.
- Automate Processes – Automate certain access management tasks to reduce the risk of human error.
Read More: A Comprehensive Guide to Identity and Access Management (IAM
Recommended Privileged Access Management Solutions from CDT
Central Data Technology (CDT) offers several PAM solutions that can help businesses manage privileged access more securely and efficiently, such as AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Okta Privileged Access Management. Here’s a closer look at these two solutions:
1. AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)
AWS IAM allows businesses to manage who can access their cloud resources with very detailed controls. This solution is particularly useful for companies using AWS in their daily operations, as it provides secure management of privileged accounts.
Key Features of AWS IAM:
- Detailed Access Controls: Role-based access policies that can restrict access to only authorized individuals.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): An added layer of security to ensure only authorized users can access accounts.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Integration with AWS CloudTrail to track all access activities in detail.
Benefits of AWS IAM in PAM:
- Enhanced Security: Better access controls reduce the potential for data leaks or access misuse.
- Scalability: Ideal for companies using multiple AWS cloud services, making it easier to manage thousands of accounts.
- Compliance and Auditing: Helps meet compliance requirements by providing audit trails for all activities involving sensitive access.
2. Okta Privileged Access Management
Okta provides a PAM solution that simplifies managing privileged user access across various applications and systems. Okta also offers in-depth monitoring of user activities to detect potential threats early.
Key Features of Okta PAM:
- Centralized Access Management: Okta allows centralized management of privileged access across all applications and systems used by the company.
- User Activity Monitoring: Okta provides real-time reporting and monitoring of privileged access activities to detect suspicious behavior.
- Single Sign-On (SSO) and MFA: Uses SSO for easier access while maintaining security with MFA.
Benefits of Okta PAM:
- Efficient Management: Makes it easier to manage access across many applications with a simple interface and broad integrations.
- Enhanced Security: In-depth monitoring of privileged user access reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
- Easier Compliance: With complete audit features and reporting, Okta makes it easier to ensure compliance with security regulations.
Why Choose AWS IAM and Okta?
Both solutions offer exceptional features for protecting privileged access in your company. AWS IAM is ideal for businesses focused on cloud computing, offering full control over access to AWS cloud resources. On the other hand, Okta is better suited for companies needing a centralized solution to manage multiple applications with deeper control over privileged users.
Both provide better security, more efficient monitoring, and more controlled access management, helping businesses keep their sensitive data and systems secure from threats.
Discover the Best Privileged Access Management Solution from CDT
Central Data Technology (CDT), a part of CTI Group, offers the best Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions to protect your company’s data and systems. As an authorized partner of leading technologies like AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Okta Privileged Access Management, CDT helps secure privileged access effectively. AWS IAM allows policy-based access management to protect cloud data, while Okta PAM simplifies centralized access management with layered security features like Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Contact CDT today and discover the right PAM solution for your business needs!
Author: Ary Adianto
Content Writer, CTI Group
