Best 11 Alternatives To Delinea PAM (2026)

Discover the top alternatives to Delinea Privileged Access Management (PAM). Explore features such as credential management, role-based access, alerting and notifications, and reporting.

Last updated on Jul 23, 2026
Joel Witts Written by Joel Witts
Laura Iannini Technical Review by Laura Iannini
Top 11 Alternatives To Delinea PAM

Delinea Secret Server is a robust Privileged Access Management (PAM) tool that helps IT and security teams to monitor, manage, and secure administrative-level access to their most sensitive corporate data. Secret Server deploys on-prem and in the cloud, and secures privileged access to databases, applications, security tools, network devices, and hypervisors. 

The platform offers a wide range of security features, as well as session monitoring and auditing tools, to help prevent account takeover attacks and ensure compliance with industry and federal data protection regulations. These features include an encrypted credential vault, two-factor authentication, role-based access policies, password policies, and on-demand access delegation.   

Delinea Secret Server is particularly popular among larger organizations that want to centrally manage access to their critical systems, both for security and to meet complex compliance requirements.  

In this article, we’ll explore the top alternatives to Delinea PAM. We’ll look at features such as credential management, role-based access, alerting and notifications, and reporting. We’ll give you some background information on each provider and the key features of its solution, as well as the type of customer that they are most suitable for. 

What Is Privileged Access Management?

Privileged Access Management (PAM) secures the accounts that hold elevated permissions in your organization: administrator accounts, service accounts, and any credential that can change systems, access sensitive data, or manage other users. These accounts are the primary target in most serious breaches because compromising one gives an attacker broad control. PAM solutions store privileged credentials in an encrypted vault, control who can use them and when, monitor what is done during privileged sessions, and produce the audit records needed to demonstrate compliance. Rather than administrators holding standing access to everything, PAM grants elevated access on request, for a limited time, with every action recorded.

PAM platforms operate across four core functions. Credential vaulting stores privileged passwords, SSH keys, and secrets in an encrypted repository, rotating them automatically and injecting them into sessions so users never see the underlying credential. Session management brokers privileged connections over protocols such as RDP and SSH, isolating the session from the endpoint, recording activity for forensics, and enabling live monitoring or termination of suspicious sessions. Privilege elevation and delegation management (PEDM) enforces least privilege on endpoints by removing standing local administrator rights and elevating specific applications or tasks through policy, rather than granting full admin sessions. Finally, governance capabilities handle access request workflows, just-in-time delegation, separation of duties, and audit reporting against frameworks such as ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and SOX. Deployment models vary significantly across the market: some platforms are cloud-native SaaS, others ship as hardened physical or virtual appliances, and several support hybrid estates. Buyers should also distinguish between full-suite platforms covering vaulting, sessions, and endpoint privilege together, and modular products that address one layer and integrate with existing tooling for the rest.

Delinea PAM Alternatives Compared

Here is a comparison of the top Delinea PAM alternatives across key privileged access management capabilities.

Product Best For Credential Vaulting Session Monitoring Just-In-Time Access Endpoint Privilege Mgmt Deployment
Keeper Security
Unified password management and PAM without heavy infrastructure
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Cloud (SaaS)
BeyondTrust
Modular credential and endpoint privilege management
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cloud or on-prem
Bravura Privilege
Large estates needing credential governance at scale
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
On-prem or cloud
CyberArk Privileged Access Manager
Enterprises needing the broadest PAM feature set
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
SaaS or self-hosted
IBM Verify Privileged Identity
Least privilege and application control on endpoints
No
No
Yes
Yes
SaaS or on-prem
Foxpass by Splashtop
Engineering teams securing server and network access
No
No
No
No
Cloud (SaaS)
Heimdal PAM
Privilege elevation within a unified security platform
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cloud (SaaS)
JumpCloud
Cloud-first organizations unifying identity, device, and privileged access
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Cloud (SaaS)
One Identity Safeguard
Appliance-based privileged password and session management
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Appliance, virtual, or cloud
Osirium PAM
Just-in-time delegation and privileged task automation
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
On-prem or virtual
WALLIX Bastion
Straightforward deployment across IT and OT environments
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Software, appliance, or SaaS

How We Tested

We evaluated 11 privileged access management platforms across credential vaulting, session monitoring and recording, just-in-time access delegation, endpoint privilege management, and deployment flexibility. Each product was assessed on setup workflows, policy configuration, access request and approval processes, and audit reporting. Beyond hands-on assessment, we conducted extensive market research across the PAM market and reviewed customer feedback to validate vendor claims against operational reality. This article was researched and written by Caitlin Harris, with technical review by Laura Iannini. Read our full methodology

Keeper Security Logo
Keeper Security

Best for Organizations unifying password management and PAM in one platform

Keeper Security offers KeeperPAM, a cloud-native privileged access management platform built on top of Keeper’s enterprise password manager. By unifying password management and PAM in a single platform, Keeper helps organizations secure credentials, enforce least privilege, and support compliance without the complexity of traditional PAM deployments. We think the combined approach is a strong differentiator for organizations that want PAM capabilities without deploying a heavy enterprise stack.

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  • KeeperPAM provides privileged session management for RDP, SSH, VNC, Kubernetes, and leading databases, with full recording and auditing for compliance.
  • Automated credential rotation, granular role-based access controls, and discovery of privileged accounts across on-prem and cloud environments strengthen visibility and reduce risk.
  • Remote browser isolation enables VPN-free access to internal web applications while keeping credentials protected.
  • Because KeeperPAM is built on Keeper’s password manager, organizations also get encrypted vaults, strong password generation, file storage, dark web monitoring, and credential policy enforcement in one platform.
  • Keeper also launched an MSP-specific PAM program in early 2026, positioning KeeperPAM as a lighter alternative to heavier enterprise PAM tools.

We think Keeper Security is a good fit for organizations that want to consolidate enterprise password management and PAM into one platform. It’s particularly valuable for teams that need fast deployment, strong compliance auditing, and centralized credential oversight without the infrastructure burden of traditional PAM. KeeperPAM starts at $85/user/month.

Strengths
Unified password management, secrets management, and PAM in one cloud platform
Zero-knowledge encryption architecture
Agentless browser-based session management with recording
Fast deployment with no on-prem infrastructure required
Cautions
No endpoint privilege management (PEDM) capability
Pricing requires contacting sales for PAM configurations
2.

BeyondTrust

BeyondTrust Logo
BeyondTrust

Best for Modular credential management and endpoint privilege enforcement

BeyondTrust is a leading PAM provider that enables IT teams to monitor, audit, and secure access to critical business systems. BeyondTrust offers two core PAM products: Privileged Password Management (PPM) secures privileged accounts and credentials, while Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) enforces least privilege across Windows, Mac, Linux, and Unix endpoints.

  • PPM stores privileged account credentials in a secure vault, authenticates users, and grants access via custom-defined approval rules.
  • Credential rotation happens automatically, and credentials are injected directly into privileged sessions so they’re hidden from users during login.
  • All privileged activity is logged for audit trails and session forensics.
  • EPM automatically elevates privileges as needed for trusted applications via policy-based controls.
  • Integration with help desk, vulnerability management, and SIEM tools increases visibility and enables reporting on privileged activities for application usage monitoring and auditing.

We think BeyondTrust is a strong option for organizations that may want to start with just credential management or endpoint privilege enforcement without subscribing to both services. Both products integrate well if you decide to use both later. Because BeyondTrust enables access via a web-based console or mobile app, it’s particularly well suited to organizations that need to secure access for remote users.

Strengths
Modular products let you start with vaulting or endpoint privilege alone
Automatic credential rotation with session injection
Least privilege enforcement across Windows, Mac, Linux, and Unix
Web-based console and mobile app suit remote administration
Cautions
Full coverage requires subscribing to multiple products
Pricing requires contacting sales
3.

Bravura Privilege

Bravura Privilege Logo
Bravura Security

Best for Credential governance at scale across large estates

Bravura Security (formerly Hitachi ID Systems) is a cybersecurity provider based in Calgary, Canada, offering identity, entitlement, and credential governance solutions. Bravura Privilege is their PAM solution, designed to secure privileged access to applications and services and prevent account compromise through social engineering and malware. The platform is part of the Bravura Security Fabric, which also includes identity governance, password management, and group management modules.

  • Bravura Privilege randomizes privileged credentials and stores them in an encrypted vault, then grants pre-enforced, just-in-time access to critical accounts.
  • Users verify their identity via 2FA before access is granted.
  • Agent-based application fingerprinting and automatic credential rotation after each login eliminate static credentials and prevent password sharing or reuse.
  • Login sessions launch automatically via a browser extension.
  • All access requests and privileged sessions are logged with video capture and keylogging for auditing and accountability.
  • Recent updates include a REST API with fine-grained access control for defining precisely what API callers can access, and a WebSocket Connector Proxy that simplifies connectivity to applications behind firewalls.

We think Bravura Privilege is a good option for mid-to-large enterprises looking for a user-friendly PAM solution that’s straightforward to configure. The solution deploys on-prem or in the cloud, with integrations for clients, servers, hypervisors, guest operating systems, databases, and applications. The out-of-the-box connectors make for a quick implementation.

Strengths
Automated password randomization at large scale
Part of a broader identity and credential governance fabric
Just-in-time access delegation with approval workflows
Long-established vendor with three decades in identity management
Cautions
Better suited to large estates than small teams seeking lightweight deployment
Pricing requires contacting sales
4.

CyberArk Privileged Access Manager

CyberArk Privileged Access Manager Logo
CyberArk

Best for Enterprises needing the broadest PAM feature set

CyberArk is a market-leading PAM provider offering policy-driven, enterprise-grade solutions for monitoring and securing privileged accounts. Privileged Access Manager is their core PAM platform, designed to prevent account and credential compromise while making it easier for businesses to audit and manage privileged access with automation and logging. Palo Alto Networks completed its acquisition of CyberArk for approximately $25 billion in February 2026; the product continues to operate under the CyberArk brand.

  • CyberArk automatically discovers and onboards all privileged credentials, storing them in a secure vault that requires authentication before access.
  • Admins configure policies for user access, password complexity, and rotation periods to ensure security while minimizing repetitive tasks.
  • Video playback of all privileged session activity is recorded in an encrypted repository for compliance reporting.
  • Privileged sessions are automatically monitored for anomalous behaviors, with policy-driven remediation including session suspension or termination.
  • Session isolation prevents attackers from infecting target systems with malware if access is gained.
  • The platform deploys as-a-Service or self-hosted on-prem, and supports access for remote employees without VPN or agent requirements.

We think CyberArk’s Privileged Access Manager offers strong security alongside powerful automation that makes it easier for admins to grant or deny access and remediate threats to privileged accounts. It’s a strong alternative to Delinea for any enterprise looking for PAM with automation built in. If you’re evaluating CyberArk, factor in the Palo Alto Networks acquisition; the long-term product roadmap is still being clarified.

Strengths
Broadest PAM feature set and integration marketplace on this list
Session isolation and recording with behavioral threat analytics
SaaS and self-hosted deployment options
Extensive compliance and audit tooling
Cautions
Cost and deployment complexity suit large enterprises rather than small teams
Palo Alto Networks acquisition means packaging and roadmap should be verified during evaluation
5.

IBM Verify Privileged Identity

IBM Verify Privileged Identity Logo
IBM

Best for Least privilege and application control on endpoints

IBM offers endpoint privilege management and application control through IBM Verify Privileged Identity, which is powered by Delinea’s Privilege Manager technology under an OEM agreement expanded in recent years. The solution is available as part of IBM’s Verify identity platform. It enables IT teams to prevent malware attacks from exploiting applications and accessing critical systems by implementing least privilege and removing static local admin rights. Something to be aware of is that this product is built on Delinea’s technology, so organizations looking for a fundamentally different PAM approach should consider other options on this list.

  • The platform automatically discovers all applications that require elevated admin rights.
  • Admins create allow-lists and deny-lists for trusted and untrusted applications, and configure contextual privilege elevation policies.
  • Trusted applications receive automatic privilege elevation, while deny-listed applications are blocked.
  • Unknown applications can be sandboxed so they execute without impacting critical systems, improving user productivity without compromising security.
  • The solution enforces least privilege by removing all local admin credentials, including hard-coded and hidden admins, to mitigate the risk of attackers exploiting rarely used accounts.
  • A full audit trail captures admin credential changes, application policy changes, and privilege elevation activity.
  • The current version is 12.0.4, released in August 2025.
  • Privilege Manager for Unix/Linux reaches end of life in August 2026.

We think IBM Verify Privileged Identity is a solid option for organizations already in the IBM security ecosystem that want endpoint and application-focused privilege management. The approach focuses on endpoint privilege rather than user privilege, which is a different angle than some other vendors on this list. Be aware that the underlying technology is Delinea’s Privilege Manager, so if you’re specifically looking to move away from Delinea’s platform, this may not be the right fit.

Strengths
Proven endpoint privilege management and application control
Integration with IBM's wider Verify identity platform
Removes static local admin rights with policy-based elevation
Backed by IBM enterprise support
Cautions
Built on Delinea's Privilege Manager technology, so it is not a departure from Delinea's underlying stack
Focused on endpoint privilege rather than full vaulting and session management
6.

Foxpass by Splashtop

Foxpass by Splashtop Logo
Splashtop

Best for Engineering teams securing server and network access

Foxpass, now part of Splashtop, specializes in securing network and server access. The platform enables organizations to secure user access to critical resources while reducing the strain on IT teams, with a user-friendly interface, high levels of automation, and integrations with existing infrastructure that make it straightforward to set up, configure, and manage.

  • Foxpass enables admins to configure password requirements, enable MFA, and enforce SSH key and password rotation to prevent brute force and social engineering attacks.
  • Server access control is automated via a full-featured API, which also logs authentication requests for visibility into privileged account usage and streamlined auditing.
  • Users authenticate with MFA and SSO via cloud-hosted LDAP and RADIUS, minimizing password use organization-wide.
  • Foxpass integrates with identity providers including Microsoft Entra ID, Google, Okta, and OneLogin, with automated certificate management through MDM solutions such as Microsoft Intune, Jamf, Kandji, and Addigy.
  • 24/7 technical customer support includes live video assistance.

Foxpass doesn’t offer some of the more complex features available from other vendors on this list, such as video session recording and a password vault. But it enables organizations to secure privileged access by implementing MFA, SSO, and password policies with a clean interface and good support. We think it’s a strong option for mid-sized organizations looking to secure privileged access to networks and servers without needing advanced session monitoring.

Strengths
Quick to deploy with high levels of automation
Cloud RADIUS and LDAP without maintaining on-prem infrastructure
SSH key management with audit visibility
Syncs with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Okta
Cautions
Not a full PAM suite; no credential vaulting or session recording
Best suited to network and server access use cases rather than broad privileged account governance
7.

Heimdal Privileged Access Management

Heimdal Privileged Access Management Logo
Heimdal

Best for Privilege elevation within a unified security platform

Heimdal offers a broad range of solutions designed to protect business data across endpoint, email, web, application, and identity layers. Heimdal PAM enables IT teams to secure user access to high-tier company resources and proactively remediate identity-related threats. The solution is available standalone and as part of Heimdal’s single-agent, unified security platform.

  • Granular access escalation controls at the user, user group, and process level make it easy for admins to grant and remove privileges and control what actions users can perform during sessions.
  • The platform supports on-demand and automatic privilege elevation.
  • Group snapshots taken before and after privileged sessions ensure no backdoor admin accounts are created.
  • Data-rich visual reports cover account usage, average escalation duration, which users or files were escalated, and what actions were carried out.
  • Privileged sessions end automatically if a threat is detected on the user’s device.
  • The platform supports compliance reporting against NIST AC-5, NIST AC-1.6, NIS2, ISO 27001, and Cyber Essentials.

We think Heimdal PAM is a good fit for SMBs and mid-sized enterprises looking for easy-to-manage privileged access management with strong reporting and auditing. The modern, intuitive interface is a positive. It doesn’t offer video recording or a password vault, but the detailed reports support compliance requirements well. It’s also well suited for organizations looking to consolidate their security stack, since it integrates with Heimdal’s wider platform.

Strengths
Automatic privilege de-escalation on threat detection
Approval workflows from dashboard or mobile app
Single agent shared with Heimdal's wider security platform
Clear audit trails for compliance
Cautions
No credential vaulting or privileged session recording
Strongest value comes when deployed alongside other Heimdal modules
8.

JumpCloud

JumpCloud Logo
JumpCloud

Best for Cloud-first organizations unifying identity, device, and privileged access

JumpCloud is a cloud-native directory platform that enables organizations to manage and secure identities across Windows, Mac, and Linux endpoints. With cloud-based MFA, SSO, and PAM capabilities, JumpCloud enables IT admins to secure privileged accounts and govern data access across the organization.

  • Password and SSH key management enable admins to create granular controls for password complexity across privileged accounts.
  • The platform alerts admins to unauthorized access attempts that could indicate brute force attacks.
  • Password rotation is encouraged at set intervals and then automatically updated across all Windows, macOS, and Linux devices to reduce the risk of static credentials.
  • Native MFA and SSO allow admins to manage and secure privileged identities from a single interface.
  • Admins can create and manage users with different levels of access privilege as needed.
  • JumpCloud integrates with directories such as Entra ID and Google Workspace, or can serve as an organization’s core cloud directory.
  • The platform also includes an AI-powered SaaS management module for identifying shadow IT and tracking license usage.

We think JumpCloud is a strong option for organizations of all sizes looking for a cloud directory to secure all user identities, including privileged users. The solution provides clear visibility into credential strength and usage and offers native identity security features to protect accounts. If you need dedicated PAM features like session recording or a credential vault, other options on this list will be a better fit; JumpCloud’s strength is unified identity and device management.

Strengths
Identity, device, and privileged access managed in one cloud console
Cross-OS admin rights control without on-prem infrastructure
Conditional access applies device trust to privileged access decisions
Transparent pricing with a free tier for small environments
Cautions
No privileged session recording
Vaulting is lighter than dedicated enterprise PAM platforms
9.

One Identity Safeguard

One Identity Safeguard Logo
One Identity

Best for Appliance-based privileged password and session management

One Identity specializes in identity security solutions including identity governance, Active Directory management, and access management. Safeguard is their PAM solution, designed to enable IT teams to secure access to high-tier systems while making it easier to prove compliance with data protection standards.

  • Privileged account credentials are stored in a central vault secured with MFA and SSO, with configurable authentication levels per user.
  • Privileged credentials are granted automatically based on user role, which enables users to access privileged and non-privileged resources via a single account and removes the risk of admin error when provisioning access.
  • Machine learning analyzes user behavior at the time of access and throughout privileged sessions to detect anomalous or malicious activity.
  • All privileged sessions are recorded with keystroke logging, mouse movement tracking, and window views for compliance reporting and accountability.
  • Admins can search session recordings for specific events, which is useful for investigations.

We think One Identity Safeguard is a strong PAM solution with session monitoring depth and useful search functionality that make it easy for IT teams to secure privileged accounts, identify unauthorized behavior, and prove compliance. We think it’s a good fit for larger enterprises looking for granular control over privileged sessions.

Strengths
Mature session recording with full-text search
Behavioral analytics for privileged activity
Transparent session brokering preserves admin workflows
Hardened appliance, virtual, and cloud deployment options
Cautions
Appliance-based model involves more infrastructure than cloud-native rivals
Pricing requires contacting sales
10.

Osirium PAM

Osirium PAM Logo
Osirium

Best for Just-in-time delegation and privileged task automation

Osirium is a UK-based privileged access management provider that was acquired by SailPoint in October 2023. Osirium PAM helps organizations control internal and external access to critical resources and delegate privileged access just-in-time to mitigate insider and latent threats. Since the acquisition, the product has been integrated into SailPoint’s broader identity security portfolio.

  • Privileged credentials are stored in a secure vault.
  • Recurring processes such as account resets, re-certification, and server health checks are automated to reduce administrative error and malicious admin actions.
  • Video capture and keystroke recording of all privileged session activity, including SysAdmin activity, provide full user accountability and support compliance auditing.
  • Real-time session monitoring allows admins to terminate sessions with one-touch terminate and disable-user features if malicious activity is identified.
  • Detailed reports and audit trails on privileged account usage support compliance with standards such as Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001.
  • The platform integrates with Active Directory for deployment and onboarding.

We think Osirium PAM offers a strong feature set, with automation as its standout capability. By automating access-related workflows, the platform frees up IT resources while ensuring accountability. The UK and EU compliance mapping is a positive for organizations subject to those regulatory frameworks. Be aware that Osirium was acquired by SailPoint in 2023, so evaluate current licensing, support, and roadmap commitments before purchasing.

Strengths
Privileged task automation reduces the need for full admin sessions
Credential injection keeps passwords hidden from users
Just-in-time, role-mapped privilege delegation
SailPoint ownership connects PAM to a wider identity security portfolio
Cautions
Packaging and roadmap under SailPoint should be confirmed during evaluation
Smaller market presence than the enterprise PAM leaders on this list
11.

WALLIX Bastion

WALLIX Bastion Logo
WALLIX

Best for Straightforward PAM deployment across IT and OT environments

WALLIX is a cybersecurity vendor based in Paris, France, specializing in identity and access management solutions. Bastion is their PAM platform, available as software, a virtual appliance, or a physical appliance. WALLIX now offers Professional and Enterprise product packages, with the Professional package targeting SMBs and the Enterprise package built for larger organizations with custom PAM requirements. The solution uses a lightweight, agentless architecture that makes it straightforward to deploy and scale.

  • Passwords and secrets are stored in an encrypted vault, eliminating the need for multiple passwords per user.
  • Privilege Elevation and Delegation Management (PEDM) capabilities allow admins to grant privileges as needed so that credentials are never static, eliminating the risk of overprivileged users.
  • The Access Manager enables admins to monitor all session activity, with session forensic analysis and search capabilities for locating recordings of specific activities.
  • A Web Session Manager enables secure web application access with control and auditability without additional installation.
  • Application-to-Application Password Management (AAPM) secures automated credential use between systems.

We think WALLIX Bastion is a good fit for enterprises with remote employees or offices spread across different locations. The platform is available on-prem and in the cloud, with secure remote access via any browser; remote sessions get the same level of control and monitoring as internal sessions. The new Professional and Enterprise packaging makes it easier to scale PAM to fit your specific requirements.

Strengths
Agentless architecture simplifies deployment and scaling
Professional and Enterprise packages fit SMB through enterprise requirements
Strong OT and industrial environment coverage
European vendor with data sovereignty appeal
Cautions
Smaller integration ecosystem than the largest enterprise PAM vendors
Pricing requires contacting sales

Other Privileged Access Management Services

Beyond our top 11, these PAM platforms are worth considering depending on your specific requirements.

12
ARCON PAM

A privileged access management platform with strong coverage in banking and financial services, offering vaulting, session monitoring, and just-in-time access.

13
ManageEngine PAM360

An affordable, full-featured PAM platform from Zoho's IT management division, covering vaulting, session management, and privileged analytics.

14
Segura

A full-stack PAM platform (formerly senhasegura) covering credential management, session recording, and certificate lifecycle management.

15
StrongDM

An infrastructure access platform providing centralized, audited access to databases, servers, and Kubernetes clusters, popular with DevOps teams.

16
Netwrix Privilege Secure

A PAM solution focused on removing standing privileged accounts entirely through ephemeral, just-in-time access.

Privileged Access Management Pricing

PAM pricing is rarely published: most vendors on this list quote based on the number of privileged users, target systems, and modules deployed. JumpCloud is the exception, with published per-user platform pricing. The table below reflects publicly available information; expect pricing conversations for the enterprise platforms to depend heavily on deployment scope.

Product Starting Price Billing Link
Keeper Security
Contact for quote
Annual
BeyondTrust
Contact for quote
Annual
Bravura Privilege
Contact for quote
Annual
CyberArk Privileged Access Manager
Contact for quote
Annual
IBM Verify Privileged Identity
Contact for quote
Annual
Foxpass by Splashtop
Contact for quote (free trial available)
Monthly or Annual
Heimdal PAM
Contact for quote
Annual
JumpCloud
From $9/user/mo (free tier available)
Monthly or Annual
One Identity Safeguard
Contact for quote
Annual
Osirium PAM
Contact for quote
Annual
WALLIX Bastion
Contact for quote
Annual

Privileged Access Management Checklist

These are the configuration and operational steps we recommend when deploying a privileged access management platform.

Most organizations have significantly more privileged accounts than they realize, including orphaned admin accounts and service accounts created outside formal processes. A complete inventory is the foundation for every downstream control.

Standing passwords on privileged accounts are the primary target in credential theft. Vaulting with automated rotation ensures that a leaked credential has a short useful life.

Removing standing local administrator rights and elevating specific applications through policy sharply reduces the impact of malware and account compromise on workstations.

Granting elevated access on request, for a defined window, mapped to a specific task, eliminates the standing privileges that attackers exploit for lateral movement.

Privileged accounts warrant stronger authentication than standard users. MFA on vault access, session initiation, and approval workflows should be non-negotiable.

Session recordings provide the forensic evidence needed after an incident and the audit evidence needed for compliance. Real-time monitoring enables suspicious sessions to be terminated before damage is done.

Service accounts, API keys, and application credentials frequently hold broad privileges and are rarely rotated. A PAM program that only covers human administrators leaves a significant gap.

Emergency access accounts must be available if the PAM platform itself is unavailable, with strong controls and full auditing on their use.

Feeding elevation events, session activity, and policy violations into security operations gives analysts the identity context needed to detect privilege misuse alongside other telemetry.

Privileged access accumulates over time as roles change. Periodic certification of who holds elevated access, and why, catches privilege creep before it becomes an audit finding or a breach vector.

The Bottom Line

No single Delinea alternative fits every organization, and the right choice depends on which layer of privileged access you need to address first.

If you want vaulting, session management, and secrets management as one cloud service without heavy infrastructure, Keeper Security is the strongest starting point.

If you prefer a modular approach, BeyondTrust lets you deploy credential management or endpoint privilege enforcement independently and expand later.

If you are a large enterprise with complex compliance requirements, CyberArk Privileged Access Manager offers the deepest feature set on this list, with the caveat that the Palo Alto Networks acquisition makes roadmap questions worth asking during evaluation.

If privileged sessions are your priority, One Identity Safeguard’s recording, search, and analytics are mature, while WALLIX Bastion offers a straightforward agentless deployment across IT and OT environments.

If you want privilege controls unified with your directory, device management, and conditional access, JumpCloud approaches the problem from the identity layer, and Heimdal ties privilege elevation directly to threat detection within a single-agent platform.

Read the individual reviews above to dig into deployment specifics, integration support, and the trade-offs that matter for your infrastructure.

Privileged Access Management FAQs

Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a means of monitoring and managing network access. Through using a PAM solution, you can ensure that network areas are only accessible to those who need access. This reduces the chances for data falling into the wrong hands. If, for instance, a user’s account is compromised, the attacker is limited to accessing data that is specific to that user’s job role.

When files and data are accessed, PAM solutions can log critical information such as date, user, and any modifications made. This ensures that accountability can be at the heart of the solution.

Sometimes, a user may need to have access to a restricted area that they do not usually require. In this instance, they can send a request to their admin, who can grant or deny that access. Many PAM solutions will only permit this access for a set length of time, or for a specific browser session. This automatic lockout prevents users gaining unlimited, and unmanaged, access to more sensitive network areas.

Auditing and Compliance – For organizations operating within restricted sectors, proving that you handle data appropriately is essential. Using a PAM solution is an easy and effective way to ensure that you are compliant with relevant legislation like GDPR or HIPAA.

Improve Security – By reducing the number of users who have access to sensitive data, you decrease the chances of that data being stolen or shared. Users can be granted short term additional access privileges, provided that this is approved by the admin.

Increase Accountability – As PAM solutions monitor and log user activity within restricted areas, it is easy to identify who has made a specific change. A user may have accidentally modified an entry without realising it, or they may have acted knowingly. PAM solutions allow you to identify who did what and when.

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 Written By
Joel Witts
Joel Witts Content Director

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 Technical Review
Laura Iannini
Laura Iannini Cybersecurity Analyst

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.