Privileged Access Management (PAM)

TL;DR: A process for monitoring and managing privileged access to systems and applications to prevent unauthorised access and data theft.

Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a security solution and strategy that aims to manage and protect access to critical systems, applications and data in an organisation. This includes the management and monitoring of privileged user accounts that have extended access rights and therefore pose a higher security risk. These privileged accounts can be used by system administrators, database administrators, network engineers and other IT personnel who require special authorisations to perform their tasks.

Main components of PAM:

1. Identity management: Captures and manages the identities of users with privileged access rights.
2. Access control: Defines and enforces policies that regulate access to sensitive systems and data. This includes granting access only to the required resources and for the required period of time.
3. Monitoring and logging: Monitors and records all activities performed with privileged accounts. This helps to detect suspicious activity and conduct forensic investigations.
4. Session Management: Manages and monitors privileged sessions in real time, often with the ability to start, stop or pause sessions.
5. Password management: Automates the management and rotation of passwords for privileged accounts to ensure they are regularly updated and stored securely.

Advantages of PAM:

1. Reduction of the safety risk: By restricting and monitoring access to critical systems and data, the risk of insider threats and external attacks is reduced.
2. Compliance with regulations: Many industries are subject to strict data protection and security regulations. PAM helps to fulfil these requirements by ensuring control and transparency over access to sensitive information.
3. Improved transparency and accountability: Logging and monitoring the activities of privileged users ensures that all actions are traceable and can be checked if necessary.
4. Minimisation of human error: Automated password management and access controls reduce the likelihood of human error, which can lead to security incidents.

Application in practice:

PAM is used in a wide range of organisations, from small businesses to large multinational corporations. It is used to secure access to servers, databases, network devices, applications and cloud services. Typical measures include the introduction of multi-factor authentication (MFA) for privileged accounts, the implementation of just-in-time (JIT) access, which is only granted when required, and the regular review and adjustment of access rights.

Overall, Privileged Access Management is a critical part of an organisation's IT security strategy, helping to protect the most sensitive areas of the IT infrastructure from unauthorised access and misuse.