Best 11 Privileged Access Management (PAM) Solutions For Enterprise (2026)
We reviewed the leading PAM platforms on vault architecture, session recording depth, and the just-in-time access controls that limit the blast radius when a privileged credential is compromised.
Written by
Joel Witts
Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
Privileged accounts are the keys to your infrastructure. Admin credentials, service accounts, root access, API keys. When they get compromised, attackers skip the perimeter entirely and move straight to your most sensitive systems.
The challenge is that most organizations still manage privileged access manually. Shared admin passwords in spreadsheets, standing privileges that never expire, service accounts nobody remembers creating. Every one of those is a breach waiting to happen. Regulatory pressure makes it worse. Auditors want proof of who accessed what, when, and why.
We evaluated 11 privileged access management platforms across credential vaulting, session monitoring, just-in-time access, automated rotation, and threat detection capabilities. We reviewed customer feedback from regulated industries, enterprise IT, and mid-market deployments to understand where these platforms deliver real value and where complexity becomes the enemy of security. This guide gives you the decision framework to match the right PAM solution to your infrastructure, compliance requirements, and team capacity.
What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?
Privileged access management (PAM) controls the most powerful accounts in your organization: admin credentials, root accounts, service accounts, and API keys that give users elevated access to critical systems. PAM platforms store these credentials in encrypted vaults, enforce approval workflows before granting access, record what users do during privileged sessions, and automatically rotate passwords after use. The goal is ensuring that privileged access is granted only when needed, monitored while active, and revoked when complete.
PAM platforms operate across four layers: credential vaulting (storing privileged credentials in encrypted, access-controlled vaults with automated rotation that eliminates static passwords), session management (brokering, recording, and monitoring privileged sessions with full keystroke capture, video playback, and real-time termination capabilities), just-in-time access (granting time-bound elevated privileges through approval workflows that eliminate standing access and automatically revoke after expiration), and threat detection (using behavioral analytics and machine learning to detect anomalous privileged activity such as unusual access times, lateral movement patterns, or privilege escalation beyond normal baselines). Enterprise PAM extends to non-human identities including service accounts, API keys, secrets, and machine credentials that outnumber human privileged accounts in most environments. Modern platforms integrate with SIEM, ITSM, and identity governance tools to provide correlated visibility across the identity attack surface.
Privileged Access Management (PAM) Solutions Compared
Here is a comparison of the top PAM platforms across key privileged access capabilities.
| Product | Best For | Credential Vault | Session Recording | JIT Access | Threat Detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
JumpCloud
|
Unified directory and privilege management
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
ThreatLocker Elevation Control
|
Application-based privilege elevation
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
One Identity Safeguard
|
Session recording and approval workflows
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Keeper Security KeeperPAM
|
Cloud-native PAM with zero-knowledge encryption
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
|
ARCON PAM
|
Large regulated enterprises in banking/finance
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access
|
Vendor and contractor session control
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Symantec PAM
|
Existing Broadcom security ecosystem
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
CyberArk Privileged Access Manager
|
Enterprise benchmark for PAM
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Delinea Secret Server
|
Fine-grained in-session authorization
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
ManageEngine PAM360
|
Bundled PAM, certificate, and SSH key mgmt
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
|
Saviynt Cloud PAM
|
Converged PAM and identity governance
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
How We Tested
We evaluated 11 PAM platforms across credential vaulting capabilities, session monitoring depth, just-in-time access controls, automated credential rotation, threat detection and response, and deployment flexibility. We assessed admin console usability, integration depth with identity providers and SIEM platforms, and compliance reporting capabilities. Testing covered cloud-native, on-premises, and hybrid deployment models. This article was researched and written by Caitlin Harris, with technical review by Laura Iannini. Read our full methodology
JumpCloud
JumpCloud
Best for Unified directory and privilege management across platforms
JumpCloud’s open directory platform securely connects privileged users to critical systems, applications, files, and networks. The platform provides a full suite of identity, access, and device management tools that enable organizations to monitor and manage privileged and standard identities from a single console.
- Granular authorization policies with MFA and SSO that govern what resources privileged users can access
- Password and SSH key management with password complexity controls
- Complete mobile device management capabilities alongside PAM
- Alerts for brute force attempts against privileged accounts
- Works as a core directory or integrates with existing directories such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Entra ID
We recommend JumpCloud for enterprises of all sizes looking for an efficient and easy-to-use privileged access management solution. The combination of PAM with mobile device management and full directory services in a single platform is good to see.
Strengths
Cautions
ThreatLocker
Best for Application-based privilege elevation without granting local admin
ThreatLocker Elevation Control is an endpoint privilege management solution that lets administrators run specific applications with elevated privileges without granting local admin rights to users. Rather than managing who gets privileged accounts, ThreatLocker controls what specific applications can do with elevated access, making it a distinct approach to PAM focused on application-centric privilege management.
- Automatically learns existing applications across the environment; administrators review and set policies for those requiring elevated access
- Temporary access for applications needing higher privileges for installation or updates, with privileges reverting automatically
- Ringfencing technology prevents unauthorized lateral movement between applications even when running with elevated privileges
- Eliminates the need for local admin credentials entirely, reducing the attack surface
- Compatible across Windows, macOS, and Linux
We recommend ThreatLocker Elevation Control for organizations that need strict control over application permissions without the overhead of traditional PAM infrastructure. The application-centric model is a strong fit for finance, healthcare, and large enterprises where removing local admin rights is a priority but user productivity cannot be disrupted. MSPs managing distributed endpoints benefit from the auto-learning deployment model and RMM integration. This is not a credential vault or session recorder; if you need those capabilities, pair it with a dedicated PAM tool.
Strengths
Cautions
One Identity
Best for Session recording and approval workflows for large enterprises
One Identity Safeguard is a Privileged Access Management (PAM) suite offering modules for password management, session monitoring, and threat detection. The platform enables organizations to secure, control, and audit access to critical resources throughout the session. Safeguard is part of the One Identity suite, which covers identity governance, access management, privileged access, and Active Directory management through the One Identity Fabric.
- Secure password vault with SSO, MFA, and automated workflows
- Machine learning and behavioral biometrics monitor, analyze, and block risky user activity
- Tamper-proof, searchable session recordings with full replay for auditing and compliance
- Policy-based access controls with flexible approval workflows
- AI-driven, context-aware documentation embedded in the product
We think One Identity Safeguard is a strong PAM solution for large enterprises needing powerful tools to control and monitor privileged access across multiple platforms with minimal user friction. We liked the session recording and analysis capabilities in particular. For SMBs, One Identity PAM Essentials is also available as a SaaS-based solution that delivers streamlined, cost-effective protection without heavy infrastructure.
Strengths
Cautions
Keeper Security
Best for Cloud-native PAM with zero-knowledge encryption
KeeperPAM is a cloud-native privileged access management platform built on Keeper’s zero-knowledge encryption architecture. Launched in February 2025, it sits in the same admin console as the password manager and eliminates the need for on-premises appliances. We think it fits mid-sized to large organizations that want PAM without the complexity of legacy deployments.
- Lightweight gateway removes the need for agents, VPNs, or firewall changes
- Instant passwordless sessions into servers, databases, web apps, or SaaS platforms after MFA authentication
- Session management supports SSH, RDP, VNC, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and HTTPS with full recording and auditing
- Remote browser isolation projects browsing sessions from Keeper-hosted containers, injecting credentials without exposing them to the endpoint
- Discovery scans on-premises and cloud environments (AWS, Azure) to identify privileged accounts
- Automated credential and secrets rotation built in
We were impressed by how KeeperPAM delivers enterprise PAM capabilities without standing up on-premises infrastructure. The remote browser isolation feature is a standout; it eliminates the risk of credential theft by running sessions in a virtualized Chromium instance that never sends data to the user’s device. All session data is encrypted end-to-end under zero-knowledge, meaning Keeper never has access to the underlying systems. Pricing starts at $85 per user per month, which includes Secrets Manager and Connection Manager. With that said, that price point is on top of the base password manager license, and advanced reporting carries additional cost. If you need cloud-native PAM with session recording, browser isolation, and zero-knowledge security, Keeper is well worth considering.
Strengths
Cautions
ARCON | Privileged Access Management
ARCON
Best for Large regulated enterprises in banking and financial services
ARCON PAM manages the full privileged account lifecycle, from credential vaulting through session tracking to behavioral analytics. We think it is best suited for large regulated enterprises, particularly in banking and financial services, where audit compliance and standing access risk are the primary concerns.
- Just-in-time access grants privileges only when needed and revokes them automatically
- Secure password vault automates frequent password changes with dynamic passwords accessed only by authorized users
- MFA-secured vault access includes native software-based OTP validation and third-party authentication integration
- ARCON Knight Analytics uses AI and machine learning to detect anomalous privileged identity behavior
- Complete audit trail of privileged activities with reports and analytics for compliance assessments
- 24/7 technical support provided to all clients with no tier differentiation
The banking sector is where ARCON shows up most consistently. Large enterprise customers managing thousands of privileged accounts say the centralized control framework and audit reporting deliver real operational value. ARCON provides 24/7 technical support to all clients as a base offering, with no tier differentiation between customers. Some reviews note technical support resolutions run slow on complex issues, and initial setup requires significant time investment in large environments.
We think ARCON PAM fits large regulated enterprises where audit compliance and standing access risk drive the PAM decision. If your environment runs thousands of privileged accounts across regulated infrastructure, the centralized framework handles that scale. If you need fast support turnaround or a quick deployment, set those expectations with the vendor upfront.
Strengths
Cautions
BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access
BeyondTrust
Best for Controlling vendor and contractor access to internal infrastructure
BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access secures and manages privileged sessions for internal users, third-party vendors, and remote employees connecting to critical systems without the need for a VPN. We think the strongest use case is organizations that need to control vendor and contractor access to internal infrastructure without exposing VPN credentials or standing accounts.
- Vault-integrated session brokering injects credentials at connection time so users never see or handle passwords
- Session monitoring records all privileged activity with full video playback and keystroke capture
- Approval workflows enforce just-in-time access with time-limited sessions that auto-terminate
- Mobile admin notifications let managers approve access requests from any location
- Supports RDP, SSH, VNC, and web-based sessions across cloud and on-premises infrastructure
Users highlight the session recording quality and the audit trail it produces for compliance reporting. The vendor access controls get particular credit from teams managing third-party contractors. Based on reviews, the interface can feel dated compared to cloud-native alternatives, and complex policy configurations require significant admin effort to maintain.
We think BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access fits mid-to-large enterprises that need strong control over remote privileged sessions, especially third-party vendor access. If your primary concern is who connects to what and what they do during those sessions, this addresses it directly. For organizations that need broader identity governance alongside PAM, evaluate the full BeyondTrust suite or consider platforms with native IGA integration.
Strengths
Cautions
Symantec Privileged Access Management
Broadcom
Best for Organizations already invested in the Broadcom security ecosystem
Symantec Privileged Access Management provides credential vaulting, session recording, and threat analytics for privileged accounts across hybrid infrastructure. Originally developed by CA Technologies, the product now operates under Broadcom’s Enterprise Security division following Broadcom’s acquisition of Symantec in 2019. We think this platform still serves organizations already invested in the Broadcom security ecosystem, but prospective buyers should evaluate the current product roadmap carefully.
- Credential vault supports automated password rotation, check-in/check-out workflows, and policy-driven access controls
- Session recording captures privileged activity across Windows, Linux, and Unix environments
- Threat analytics monitor privileged sessions for anomalous behavior
- Deploys as a hardened virtual appliance for simplified initial setup
- Integration with Symantec’s broader security stack including DLP and endpoint tools
Users managing existing Symantec environments praise the integration with other Broadcom security products. The virtual appliance deployment model gets credit for reducing infrastructure complexity. Multiple customer reviews flag that product development has slowed since the Broadcom acquisition, and support quality and response times have declined. Some users report the platform feels less actively maintained compared to competitors.
We think Symantec PAM may suit organizations already running Broadcom security products that need a PAM solution integrated into their existing stack. For new deployments, we recommend evaluating the current product roadmap and support commitments before committing. The PAM market has moved significantly since Broadcom took over, and several competitors now offer more actively developed platforms with stronger vendor support.
Strengths
Cautions
CyberArk Privileged Access Manager
CyberArk
Best for Enterprise benchmark for privileged access security
CyberArk is the enterprise standard for privileged access management, built for organizations with complex hybrid infrastructure and zero tolerance for credential risk. CyberArk was acquired by Palo Alto Networks in February 2026 for approximately $25 billion, positioning CyberArk’s PAM capabilities as a core identity security pillar within Palo Alto’s broader platform. We found the automated response loop sets CyberArk apart: when suspicious privileged access is detected, the platform terminates the session and rotates credentials without waiting for manual intervention.
- Secure vault with credentials isolated to prevent exposure during access
- Continuous network scanning detects privilege access attempts
- Automated response terminates suspicious sessions and rotates compromised credentials in real time
- Full session oversight includes video playback and keystroke capture
- Over 500 out-of-the-box integrations; deployment spans on-premises, cloud, and SaaS
- Identity Threat Detection and Response capabilities feed billions of threat intelligence signals into risk-based access decisions
Customers consistently call CyberArk the benchmark for enterprise PAM. Audit readiness is where the reputation holds up strongest, with the vault, session recording, and compliance reporting combination delivering real value at scale. Some reviews note password rotation reliability drops in non-standard configurations, and check-in/check-out can be unreliable in certain setups, requiring manual admin intervention.
We think CyberArk fits large enterprises that can dedicate the resources to deploy and maintain it. If audit compliance and hybrid infrastructure are your primary drivers, this platform is built for that environment. Note that the Palo Alto Networks acquisition is recent, so evaluate how the combined platform roadmap affects your deployment plans. If your team is smaller or needs rapid deployment, factor in the operational overhead.
Strengths
Cautions
Delinea Secret Server
Delinea
Best for Fine-grained in-session authorization controls
Delinea Secret Server (formerly Thycotic Secret Server, rebranded following the Thycotic and Centrify merger in 2022) focuses on what happens after users authenticate, giving organizations precise control over what privileged accounts can actually do inside sessions. We think this distinction matters: most PAM platforms focus on getting users in securely, but Secret Server’s fine-grained authorization policies set clear limits on user actions within privileged sessions, reinforcing least privilege beyond just access control.
- All privileged credentials stored in an encrypted, centralized vault accessible only via two-factor authentication
- Just-in-time and on-demand privilege provisioning reduce standing access exposure
- Custom approval workflows handle delegated access requests including for third-party vendors
- Policy-driven password rotation and complexity enforcement run automatically
- Session recording uses an industry-leading compression ratio where an hour of video takes less than 5 MB
- Zero-downtime upgrade process keeps Secret Server accessible during system updates
Ease of administration stands out in customer feedback. Users say managing access and auditing privileged accounts from a single console simplifies daily operations. Security teams consistently credit the detailed audit visibility as a key operational advantage. Some users report that automated password rotation failures triggered account lockouts in certain configurations, and some features require scripting to configure rather than being available out of the box.
We think Delinea Secret Server fits enterprises that prioritize authorization depth. If your security model requires precise control over what privileged users can do inside sessions, not just who gets access, this platform addresses that directly. If your team needs fast implementation or straightforward credential storage, factor the setup complexity into your evaluation timeline.
Strengths
Cautions
ManageEngine PAM360
ManageEngine
Best for Bundled PAM, certificate management, and SSH key governance
ManageEngine PAM360 is a full-lifecycle PAM platform covering credential vaulting, session management, certificate lifecycle management, and SSH key governance. We think the breadth is the differentiator: PAM360 bundles capabilities that typically require separate tools, including SSL/TLS certificate management and SSH key rotation, into one platform. It is part of the broader ManageEngine IT management suite.
- Credential vault supports automated password rotation across servers, databases, network devices, and cloud platforms
- Session management covers real-time monitoring, recording, and the ability to terminate sessions from the admin console
- Built-in certificate lifecycle management module tracks SSL/TLS certificate expiry and automates renewal workflows
- SSH key discovery and rotation address a gap that many organizations leave unmanaged
- Role-based access controls, approval workflows, and audit reporting
Users praise the all-in-one approach for reducing tool sprawl across PAM, certificate management, and SSH governance. The integration with other ManageEngine products, particularly ServiceDesk Plus, gets positive marks from IT operations teams. Some reviews mention the interface requires time to learn, and customizing reports beyond the defaults involves manual effort.
We think ManageEngine PAM360 fits mid-to-large organizations that want PAM, certificate management, and SSH key governance in a single platform. If your team already uses ManageEngine products, the integration adds operational value. Note that pricing varies significantly by tier and administrator count, so request a current quote that matches your deployment scope. For organizations that need only core credential vaulting and session recording, the breadth of PAM360 may be more than you need.
Strengths
Cautions
Saviynt Cloud PAM
Saviynt
Best for Converged PAM and identity governance on one platform
Saviynt Cloud PAM is a cloud-native privileged access management platform that converges PAM with identity governance, application access governance, and identity security posture management in a single platform. We think the convergence story is what sets Saviynt apart: instead of running separate PAM and IGA tools, Saviynt handles both from one control plane with shared policies.
- Just-in-time and just-enough access provisioning eliminates standing privileges for both human and machine identities
- Discovers and classifies privileged access across cloud infrastructure, SaaS applications, and on-premises systems
- Session monitoring and recording cover privileged activity with full audit trails
- Identity governance engine applies access certification, segregation of duties, and risk-based analytics alongside PAM controls
- Cloud-native architecture means no appliances or agents to deploy for core PAM functionality
Users praise the converged approach for eliminating silos between identity governance and privileged access teams. The cloud-native architecture gets credit for reducing infrastructure overhead. Integration with major cloud platforms and SaaS applications earns positive marks. Some reviews mention the platform’s breadth creates a learning curve during onboarding, and customization of workflows requires dedicated configuration effort.
We think Saviynt Cloud PAM fits enterprises that want to unify identity governance and privileged access under one platform rather than integrating separate tools. If your organization already runs Saviynt for IGA, extending into PAM is a natural step. For teams that only need standalone credential vaulting and session recording without governance, a focused PAM tool may be simpler to deploy and manage.
Strengths
Cautions
Other Identity And Access Management Services
We researched lots of PAM solutions while we were making this guide. Here are a few other tools worth your consideration:
Scalable PAM with cloud-based LDAP, RADIUS, and SSH key management.
Password randomization and encryption, one-time access, and credential rotation to secure shared accounts.
Password management and PEDM that ensures secure privileged access for both internal and remote employees.
Identity And Access Management Pricing
PAM pricing varies significantly by platform, deployment model, and scope. Most enterprise PAM solutions are quote-based, with pricing driven by the number of privileged accounts, administrators, or endpoints under management. The table below reflects publicly available starting prices where possible.
| Product | Starting Price | Billing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
JumpCloud
|
From $9/user/mo (bundled)
|
Monthly or Annual
|
|
|
ThreatLocker Elevation Control
|
Contact for quote (per endpoint)
|
Annual
|
|
|
One Identity Safeguard
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
Keeper Security KeeperPAM
|
$85/user/mo (plus base license)
|
Annual
|
|
|
ARCON PAM
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
Symantec PAM
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
CyberArk Privileged Access Manager
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
Delinea Secret Server
|
Contact for quote (per privileged account)
|
Annual
|
|
|
ManageEngine PAM360
|
From $7,995/year
|
Annual or Perpetual
|
|
|
Saviynt Cloud PAM
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
Identity And Access Management Checklist
These are the evaluation and deployment steps we recommend when selecting a privileged access management platform.
You cannot protect what you do not know exists; auto-discovery of admin credentials, service accounts, and orphaned privileged identities determines the scope of your PAM deployment.
Manual credential management is the gap most breaches exploit; centralizing credentials in an encrypted vault with policy-driven rotation eliminates static passwords.
Auditors want proof of who accessed what, when, and why; tamper-proof session recordings with searchable replay are non-negotiable for regulated industries.
Standing privileges are standing risk; time-bound, approval-based access that expires automatically limits the blast radius when credentials are compromised.
Detection without response is just monitoring; platforms that terminate suspicious sessions and rotate compromised credentials automatically reduce the time attackers have inside your environment.
Isolated PAM creates gaps in your security posture; integrations with your existing stack enable correlated alerting and streamlined approval workflows.
Service accounts, API keys, and machine credentials outnumber human privileged accounts in most environments, and they are increasingly targeted by attackers.
Enterprise PAM platforms can take months to deploy fully; factor in the operational overhead and ensure your team has the resources to configure, tune, and maintain the platform long term.
The Bottom Line
Your ideal PAM solution depends on your infrastructure complexity, compliance requirements, and team capacity.
If you need the enterprise benchmark for privileged access security, CyberArk Privileged Access Manager delivers active threat response with automatic session termination and credential rotation. Plan for significant implementation effort.
For mid-sized teams that want PAM without a separate infrastructure project, KeeperPAM builds directly on an existing Keeper vault. Session recording, zero-knowledge architecture, and compliance coverage at a practical price point.
If endpoint privilege control is your priority, ThreatLocker Elevation Control removes blanket admin rights and replaces them with application-specific elevation. Ringfencing adds a layer most PAM tools skip entirely.
If your organization wants PAM and identity governance unified, Saviynt Cloud PAM eliminates tool sprawl with just-in-time access and automatic expiration on one platform. ManageEngine PAM360 is the budget-conscious choice for teams building their first PAM program, starting at $7,995 per year.
Read the individual reviews above to understand credential vaulting depth, session monitoring capabilities, deployment requirements, and operational trade-offs that matter for your environment.
Privileged Access Management Solutions: Everything You Need To Know
“Privileged access” refers to the elevated access permissions that IT and security admins can assign to user accounts, that give those accounts administrative levels of access to critical systems and applications.
Most organizations organize their systems in tiers, according to the severity of the consequences should the system be breached or misused; the higher the tier, the more damage a breach would cause. Privileged accounts, such as domain admin or local administrator accounts, are granted higher levels of permissions than standard user accounts. These permissions give them administrative levels of access to high-tier systems.
If a cybercriminal were to compromise a privileged account by stealing or cracking its credentials, they could:
- Access critical business systems and applications undetected
- Make changes to the account or to business data
“Standing privileges” are elevated access privileges that are always on. If a user has standing privileges, it means that they always have those privileges assigned to their account, even if they’re not currently using them. A user may not even be aware that they have those privileges.
A common example of standing privilege is the “admin” account that often comes pre-made with a new laptop or desktop, or when you install a new cloud application.
The problem: If an attacker were to compromise a privileged account by stealing or hacking the user’s login credentials, they would be able to use that account to access critical business resources multiple times.
The solution: The best way to mitigate risk associated with standing privileges is by implementing a “just-in-time” approach to elevating access privileges, also known as the “principle of least privilege.”
This principle states that IT, security, and compliance teams should only grant elevated permissions when they’re needed, and for the amount of time they’re needed. Once the user logs out of the system, the elevated permissions and revoked. In other words, every user has just enough access to do their job at all times.
So, if an attacker compromises an account with just-in-time privileges, they’ll only be able to utilize those elevated permissions once— this greatly limits the amount of damage they can do.
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is the process of identifying privileged users and ensuring they have a reasonable level or access, or revoking levels of access that are unnecessary.
This stops cybercriminals from being able to access privileged accounts by greatly reducing the time period during which the credentials are valid.
Privileged access management (PAM) software enables IT and security teams to assign, monitor, and secure privileged access to high-tier business systems and applications. This involves:
- Securely elevating privileges in line with the principle of least privilege
- Eliminating standing privileges
- Monitoring user activity within high-tier systems
To achieve this, PAM tools usually work in one of two ways:
- The PAM solution stores privileged login credentials in a secure vault that is only accessible after identity has been verified through multi-factor authentication. This ensures that only legitimate, authorized users can access privileged credentials. Some PAM solutions give users access to the credential vault; others inject the credentials directly into the user’s login session once they’ve authenticated, so that they never see the credentials. This prevents users from exposing credentials in a phishing attack. In both cases, the PAM solution logs who requested access, when, from where, and for how long.
- The PAM solution offers a system by which users can submit a request for elevated privileges on-demand. The solution then notifies IT or security admins of the request, and they can grant or deny the user access on a case-by-case basis or set up automatic, role-based provisioning.
The best PAM tools also enable admins to monitor a user’s activities during their privileged session. This can help identify malicious activity and can also be used for regulatory compliance and auditing. The level of monitoring varies between solutions; some offer activity logs, while others offer full video recordings and keystroke monitoring.
There are numerous benefits to implementing a PAM solution:
- Control access to your data. By reducing the number of accounts that have elevated privileges, a PAM solution can help you minimize the likelihood of an attacker gaining access to a privileged account using stolen credentials. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of a data breach, or a malware attack that requires elevated privileges to run, such as an SQL injection.
- Identify compromised accounts. PAM solutions provide greater visibility into account use, thereby making it much easier to spot an attack.
- Reduce repeat attacks. By eliminating standing privileges and rotating login credentials in between privileged sessions, PAM solutions prevent attackers from using the same credentials to access your company’s systems twice, greatly limiting the damage they can do.
- Prove compliance. PAM solutions generate reports explaining which users have elevated access privileges and for which applications. These reports should detail when those privileges are used, and what activities the user performs during a privileged session. These reports can be used to prove compliance with strict data protection regulations such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOX—all of which require that businesses apply least-privilege access policies to critical accounts containing sensitive data.
Identity and access management (IAM) and privileged access management (or privileged identity management) are similar, but not the same.
IAM is a series of tools and processes (such as multi-factor authentication and single sign-on) that are used to verify and authorize users across an entire organization. This enables IT and security teams to control who can access what, from which locations, when, and how. In IAM, the verification process usually takes place when a user first signs into their user account. A user’s credentials (including alternative authentication factors) are used to verify their identity.
PAM is a subset of IAM that focuses solely on privileged users who need to access more sensitive data. In PAM, verification takes place when a user tries to access a specific resource. And while PAM solutions often include MFA as a means of verifying users before they can be granted elevated privileges, PAM ultimately bases its identity validation on attributes, rather than credentials.
IAM gives authorized users access. PAM gives users just enough access.
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Identity And Access Management Resources
Further reading on identity and access management from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.
Written By
Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.
He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.
He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.
Technical Review
Laura Iannini is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Expert Insights. With deep cybersecurity knowledge and strong research skills, she leads Expert Insights’ product testing team, conducting thorough tests of product features and in-depth industry analysis to ensure that Expert Insights’ product reviews are definitive and insightful.
Laura also carries out wider analysis of vendor landscapes and industry trends to inform Expert Insights’ enterprise cybersecurity buyers’ guides, covering topics such as security awareness training, cloud backup and recovery, email security, and network monitoring. Prior to working at Expert Insights, Laura worked as a Senior Information Security Engineer at Constant Edge, where she tested cybersecurity solutions, carried out product demos, and provided high-quality ongoing technical support.
Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida.