In the era of digitization, every organization – regardless of size or industry – faces the need to properly manage access to confidential information or other corporate resources. A particularly important aspect is managing access to privileged accounts, which provide users with a wide range of privileges and access to strategic systems. Failure to adequately protect these accounts can result in serious consequences, such as data theft, operational disruption, or regulatory non-compliance. In such situations, Privileged Access Management (PAM) – one of the key elements of a security strategy in a digital environment – comes to the rescue.
What is privileged access management (PAM)?
Privileged access management (PAM) is a set of technologies and strategies designed to protect privileged accounts from unauthorized access. Privileged access management is one of the key elements of cyber security, as privileged accounts are an attractive target for cyber criminals. In many cases, attacks on IT systems begin with the hijacking of such accounts, which can lead to taking full control of an organization’s infrastructure. Therefore, effective privileged access management is fundamental to protecting data, applications, and systems. Privileged access management (PAM) systems help reduce the risk of data leaks, ransomware attacks, and other security incidents. Implementing a PAM strategy allows organizations to better monitor and control the activities of users with elevated privileges.
Basic principles and models of security in PAM
- The principle of least privilege – limiting user access only to the resources they actually need. This minimizes the risk of misuse of privileges or accidental security breaches. Users are granted only those privileges that are necessary to perform their duties.
- Zero Trust Model – an approach in which no entity is automatically deemed trustworthy. Any attempt to gain access to systems or data is verified against security policies, making it significantly more difficult for potential attackers to take over resources.
- Identity lifecycle management – PAM supports organizations in controlling the entire lifecycle of privileged identities, from creation to deletion. This results in greater security and regulatory compliance.
- Isolation of privileged sessions – users work in a controlled and monitored environment. This prevents privilege escalation and reduces the potential impact of account compromise.
- Dynamic assignment of privileges – PAM systems allow flexible access management depending on the operational context, such as the user’s location or role in the organization.
Key functionalities of PAM
Access control and its role in resource protection
PAM tools allow for managing and monitoring access to IT resources, reducing the possibility of privilege abuse. As a result, organizations can effectively reduce the risks arising from the mismanagement of privileged accounts. A key element of access control is the centralization of privilege management, which avoids the chaos of manually assigning access. Access control includes both monitoring login attempts and analyzing user activity in real time. Organizations can also define precise access policies tailored to regulatory and operational requirements.
Password management for privileged accounts
A PAM solution can automate password rotation to ensure secure password storage and enforce security policies. These systems eliminate the need for fixed, easy-to-guess passwords, which are often a weak point in security. Automated password management also allows for auditing of password usage, which is especially important for regulatory purposes. Organizations can set rules on the length, complexity, and frequency of password changes. In addition, PAM systems make it possible to restrict access to passwords through dynamic authentication mechanisms.
Identity Access Management (IAM)
IAM is a broad category of solutions dealing with controlling access to IT resources on an organization-wide level. IAM systems allow for the centralized management of user identities, control of user privileges, and automation of access-related processes. Integration of PAM with IAM enables even more comprehensive protection, allowing monitoring of not only privileged accounts but also of all users in the organization.
Privileged User Management (PUM)
PUM is a special branch of PAM focusing on managing privileged users. While IAM takes care of access control for all users, PUM focuses on securing and recording the activities of those with elevated privileges. This includes monitoring activity, restricting access to critical systems, and enforcing security policies for privileged sessions. By implementing PUM, organizations can more effectively manage the risks associated with users with broad administrative capabilities.
Privileged Session Management (PSM)
Privileged Session Management (PSM) is a key component of PAM systems that enables full control over the activities of users using accounts with elevated privileges. PSM allows for real-time monitoring, recording, and analysis of sessions to quickly detect suspicious activity and respond to potential threats. By using PSM, organizations can reduce the risk of fraud and better enforce compliance with regulations such as NIS2 and GDPR. Privileged session management mechanisms also include session isolation in a specially secured environment, which minimizes the risk of unauthorized privilege acquisition. As a result, PSM increases visibility and security in organizations by providing full control over who, when, and how privileged access is used.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) as an additional layer of security
MFA adds an extra level of protection by enforcing authentication through at least two methods. This ensures that even if login credentials are compromised, an attacker will not be able to gain access without a second factor, such as an SMS code, hardware token, or mobile app. PAM systems can enforce MFA for all users or only for specific scenarios, such as access to critical resources.
Just-in-time (JIT) access – temporary permissions on demand
The PAM solution allows privileged access to be granted for a specified period, minimizing the risk of abuse. Temporary privileges reduce the likelihood of account takeover by unauthorized persons. JIT access can be granted automatically based on defined rules or require administrator approval.
Automate PAM processes for greater efficiency
Automation allows organizations to implement security policies faster and better manage access. Eliminating manual processes reduces human error and improves operational efficiency. PAM systems can automatically adjust user privilege levels based on their role and changing conditions.
Why is effective privileged access management critical to an organization’s security?
Implementing a PAM solution is essential for security in the digital age. Organizations that effectively manage privileged access reduce the risk of cyber attacks and increase regulatory compliance. PAM systems are the cornerstone of a modern IT security strategy, protecting an organization’s key assets from unauthorized access and potential threats. Neglecting to protect them can result:
- internal attacks: employees or co-workers may use the access for activities that do not comply with company policy, such as stealing data
- external intrusions: hackers often target privileged accounts to take control of an organization’s systems
- regulatory violations: regulations such as GDPR or NIS2 require effective access management methods, and failure to comply can lead to financial penalties
How does Delinea support privileged access management?
Delinea offers comprehensive solutions to help organizations secure critical assets.
- Secret Server – password management. This advanced tool allows centralization and secure storage of passwords, automatic rotation of passwords, and integration with systems such as Active Directory.
- Privilege Manager – privilege control. This solution introduces a “least privilege” model, allowing access to be granted based on user role and analyzing activities to prevent privilege escalation.
- Server Suite – server protection. Provides server access management in hybrid environments, automation of SSH key management, and real-time activity monitoring.
Benefits of implementing PAM in an organization
The decision to implement PAM has numerous benefits:
- Higher level of security with automatic password rotation and continuous activity monitoring
- Increased operational efficiency, as process automation allows IT teams to focus on strategic tasks
- Meeting regulatory requirements and being ready for audits
- Scalability of solutions, tailored to both small and large organizations
Privileged access management is not just a matter of technology – it is the basis for effective protection in the digital reality. Investment in PAM solutions, such as those offered by Delinea, is becoming an indispensable part of any modern organization’s security strategy.