Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
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.
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.
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
|
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beyond our top 11, these PAM platforms are worth considering depending on your specific requirements.
A privileged access management platform with strong coverage in banking and financial services, offering vaulting, session monitoring, and just-in-time access.
An affordable, full-featured PAM platform from Zoho's IT management division, covering vaulting, session management, and privileged analytics.
A full-stack PAM platform (formerly senhasegura) covering credential management, session recording, and certificate lifecycle management.
An infrastructure access platform providing centralized, audited access to databases, servers, and Kubernetes clusters, popular with DevOps teams.
A PAM solution focused on removing standing privileged accounts entirely through ephemeral, just-in-time access.
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
|
|
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.
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 (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.
Further reading on identity and access management from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.
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.
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.