What is PAM in Cybersecurity?

Updated on December 27, 2024.

In cybersecurity, Privileged Access Management (PAM) refers to how organizations manage and secure access to highly sensitive accounts, systems and data. This includes IT administrator accounts, payroll systems, code repositories and service accounts. As organizations expand, it becomes more difficult for organizations to manage these privileged accounts, which is why many organizations implement PAM solutions.

Continue reading to learn more about PAM, how it works, why it’s important and the cyber threats PAM can help mitigate. 

How privileged access management works

Privileged access management works by controlling and monitoring access to privileged accounts, data and systems. It enforces the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) by granting employees just the right amount of access they need to do their jobs, reducing the risk of unnecessary access to sensitive resources. While PAM is a cybersecurity strategy, many organizations implement PAM tools not only to control access but also to track and record user activities during privileged sessions. 

Why is it important for organizations to implement PAM?

Implementing PAM is important because it provides IT admins greater visibility into your entire infrastructure, reduces your organization’s attack surface, enhances employee productivity and simplifies compliance. 

Provides visibility into your entire infrastructure

Without a PAM solution, it’s almost impossible for IT admins to achieve complete visibility into their data environments, which may include both cloud and on-premises systems. A comprehensive PAM solution enables administrators to seamlessly track, control and secure all systems, applications and devices that require privileged access. This helps provide oversight and reduce potential security risks. 

Reduces your organization’s attack surface

Privileged accounts are high-value targets for cybercriminals because they provide access to critical systems, sensitive data and administrative functions. These accounts often serve as gateways for cybercriminals to move laterally through an organization’s network. By ensuring users have only the access necessary for their roles, PAM minimizes the risk of data breaches and limits the potential for lateral movement.

Enhances employee productivity

A comprehensive PAM solution allows administrators to delegate access from a centralized dashboard rather than having to configure access to systems or accounts manually. This saves administrators and end users time – enhancing overall productivity. 

Simplifies compliance

Regulatory and compliance frameworks require that organizations implement management and auditing capabilities for privileged accounts. A PAM solution helps organizations meet a wide range of compliance standards by ensuring proper access controls and detailed auditing. It helps ensure adherence to standards such as: 

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
• Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) 
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) 

What cyber threats can PAM help mitigate?

While no cybersecurity solution will eliminate threats entirely, a PAM solution can help organizations mitigate the risks of supply chain attacks and insider threats.

Supply chain attacks

Supply chain or third-party attacks occur when threat actors infiltrate an organization’s network through a third-party vendor or supplier. A PAM solution can reduce the risk of supply chain attacks by providing IT admins with a comprehensive view of privileged accounts and their access permissions, including those granted to third-party vendors and suppliers. 

Insider threats

Insider threats occur within an organization and can be carried out intentionally or unintentionally by employees, former employees, suppliers, and contractors. According to Techjury, insider threats increased 44% from 2021 to 2022, highlighting the growing risk of these threats. Privileged accounts are prime targets for cybercriminals making it important for organizations to implement a PAM solution that enables IT admins to control and monitor who has access to sensitive systems. If organizations grant employees access to privileged accounts they don’t need for their roles, it opens the door for potentially devastating mistakes that can harm an organization. 

Integrate PAM into your organization’s cybersecurity strategy

An effective cybersecurity strategy should address all aspects of security, including access to privileged systems and accounts. If unsecured privileged systems are part of a cyber attack, there can be significant financial losses and devastating aftermath, with a lengthy recovery period for the organization.

However, it’s important to note that not all PAM solutions are created equal. Legacy PAM solutions are very complex and costly to implement. According to Keeper’s Privileged Access Management Survey, 84% of IT leaders reported that they want a simplified PAM solution, and 87% said they would prefer a PAM solution that is easier to deploy and use. Luckily, Keeper Security has engineered a comprehensive PAM solution that is easy to deploy and user-friendly.

To learn more about KeeperPAM® and how it can strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity, request a demo today.