What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?

What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?

Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a security framework that helps organizations manage and control privileged access to critical IT systems, applications, and data. PAM provides a way to secure sensitive systems and data by limiting the access rights of privileged users, such as system administrators, network engineers, and database administrators.

PAM typically involves a combination of processes, policies, and technologies designed to control access to privileged accounts and monitor privileged user activity. PAM solutions often include features such as:
Privileged account discovery: This involves identifying all privileged accounts in an organization's IT environment, including local and domain accounts, service accounts, and application accounts.

PAM Solution Components: A PAM solution typically consists of several components, including privileged account discovery, password management, access control, session recording, and analytics.

Password management: PAM solutions can help organizations manage and rotate passwords for privileged accounts, enforce strong password policies, and ensure that passwords are not shared or reused.

Access control: PAM solutions can enforce access controls to limit the scope of privileged access, such as restricting access to specific systems, applications, or data.

Session monitoring: PAM solutions can monitor and record privileged user activity during a session, including keystrokes, commands, and files accessed.

Just-in-time access: PAM solutions can provide temporary privileged access for specific tasks or time periods, reducing the risk of permanent access for privileged users.

PAM is important because privileged access is a prime target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data. By implementing PAM controls, organizations can reduce the risk of privileged access abuse and improve overall security posture.

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