Privileged Access Management (PAM) has been a cornerstone of cybersecurity for over 20 years. Initially, Privileged Access Management (PAM) focused on securing critical accounts by placing them in a vault, allowing only select individuals access. Today, PAM has evolved to not only protect these accounts but also control access, providing detailed insights into who accesses what and when.
In modern business environments, privileged accounts are no longer limited to administrators. Agile software development, digital transformation, and changing business practices have led to a proliferation of these accounts across organizations. To mitigate the risks of account hijacking, fraud, and to comply with stringent regulations, a robust PAM solution is now more crucial than ever. PAM serves as a critical component in the broader identity security ecosystem, focusing on both human and non-human accounts to manage credentials, elevate and delegate access, and enforce security policies.
Key Benefits of Privileged Access Management (PAM)
- Enhanced Data Security: By restricting access to privileged accounts, PAM reduces the risk of unauthorized access, especially if an account is compromised.
- Reduced Risk: PAM minimizes the potential damage (or blast radius) by containing it within a controlled environment.
- Compliance and Monitoring: PAM helps organizations meet regulatory requirements by monitoring and logging account access, ensuring accountability and transparency.
While these advantages are clear, organizations often face challenges in implementing PAM effectively.
Challenges in Privileged Access Management (PAM) Implementation
Complexity and User Resistance
PAM can introduce internal complexity by restricting access to files and accounts that users may have previously accessed freely. This change can disrupt established workflows, leading to resistance from users who may not fully understand the security benefits.
To overcome this challenge, it’s essential to initiate an organizational change management program. This program should educate users on how PAM improves efficiency, consistency, and automation while enhancing overall security.
Cloud Adoption Concerns
As PAM solutions increasingly move to the cloud, some organizations are hesitant to store their most sensitive data outside of on-premise environments. Despite the broader concerns surrounding cloud adoption, the benefits of cloud-based PAM—such as easier deployment and improved security—are significant. Organizations must weigh these benefits against their concerns, understanding the overall value and impact of a cloud-based PAM solution.
Overcoming Onboarding Challenges
Account Discovery and Onboarding
PAM implementation begins with discovering and onboarding accounts, a process where many organizations get stuck. Companies often mistakenly believe that PAM is solely about vaulting credentials and rotating passwords, missing out on advanced features like privileged user behavior analytics and cloud account management.
A common issue during onboarding is the incomplete visibility of account access. For example, a privileged Windows account might have access to 100 servers, but PAM might only detect the 10 servers it has previously accessed. This limited visibility can cause delays in progressing with the PAM implementation.
Moving Forward Despite Challenges
Rather than striving for perfection during the onboarding phase, organizations should aim for a “good enough” state that allows them to move forward. This approach enables them to benefit from PAM’s advanced features sooner and address gaps as the system matures.
Successfully Implementing Privileged Access Management (PAM)
PAM is an integral part of the broader Identity Access and Management (IAM) journey. Whether you choose PAM, Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM), or Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), it’s important to start with one path, mature it, and then expand.
Strategic Approach
A strategic approach to PAM involves:
- Defining Your Use Cases: Understand your organization’s specific requirements and challenges.
- Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines the journey from account discovery to full PAM deployment.
- Execution: Work with an experienced services provider to guide and manage the implementation process, ensuring that the identity fabric matures effectively.
Conclusion
PAM is a powerful tool in reducing risk and enhancing security, but it requires a well-thought-out strategy and execution plan. With the right approach, organizations can see significant benefits within the first year and achieve operational maturity in subsequent phases. Partnering with an experienced services provider ensures a smoother journey, with methodologies and frameworks that address the common challenges associated with PAM.
Find out more about our Privileged Access Management (PAM) Services.
