How Privileged Access Management Supports a Zero-Trust Strategy

Privileged Access Management (PAM) fits into a zero-trust strategy by strictly controlling access and monitoring privileged accounts, aligning with the zero-trust principle that users and devices should not be trusted by default. PAM ensures that privileged access is granted based on the principle of least privilege, continuous authentication and ongoing monitoring and auditing, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or privilege escalation.

Continue reading to learn more about zero-trust strategies, privileged access management and how PAM complements zero-trust security.

What is a zero-trust strategy?

A zero-trust strategy is a security framework built on the core principle of never trust, always verify, requiring all users and devices to continuously and explicitly authenticate themselves to gain access to an organization’s resources. Regardless of whether a user is inside or outside the organization’s network, no user or device is trusted by default. 

Unlike traditional security models that rely on perimeter defense to protect internal systems, zero-trust assumes that threats exist both inside and outside the network. Every access request, regardless of where it originates, must be authenticated, authorized and continuously monitored to ensure full security. 

What is privileged access management?

Privileged access management is a cybersecurity strategy that involves managing and securing accounts that have elevated access rights to an organization’s sensitive systems and data. These privileged accounts often belong to users, including system administrators, IT staff, upper management and security personnel. PAM solutions assist IT administrators and security teams by efficiently organizing, managing and securing privileged credentials to ensure that only authorized users have access to critical resources, reducing the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches and insider threats. 

How PAM complements zero-trust security

PAM complements zero-trust security by enforcing the principle of least privilege, enabling real-time monitoring and auditing, supporting continuous authentication and preventing lateral movement and privilege escalation. 

Enforces the least-privilege principle

PAM solutions enforce the principle of least privilege by ensuring that users are granted only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their job tasks rather than being given broad, unrestricted access. Additionally, PAM solutions can offer Just-in-Time (JIT) access, allowing user privileges to be temporarily elevated for a limited period when required for specific tasks. Once the task is completed, the elevated permissions are automatically revoked, reducing the risk of privilege misuse or unauthorized escalation. 

Supports continuous authentication

PAM supports the zero-trust principle of constant verification, as it continuously monitors and validates privileged users’ identities and activities throughout their privileged sessions. This ongoing authentication process helps ensure that users maintain the appropriate level of access and that any suspicious activity is quickly detected.  

Enables real-time monitoring and auditing

Zero-trust’s emphasis on continuously verifying trust and monitoring user activities is supported by PAM solutions, as they ensure that privileged access remains secure throughout the entire session. PAM achieves this by tracking and recording all actions taken during privileged sessions, ensuring that nothing goes unnoticed. Additionally, PAM provides detailed audit trails of all privileged activity, showing who accessed what and when. These logs are especially useful when organizations need to investigate security incidents. 

Prevents lateral movement and privilege escalation

PAM plays a critical role in limiting the potential for cybercriminals or insiders to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network, a key concern in zero-trust strategy. With PAM enforcing strict access controls over specific systems, cybercriminals face greater challenges in moving laterally. Since users are granted only the minimum privileges required for their roles, even if an attacker compromises one account, their ability to access other systems or escalate privileges is restricted.

Take the next step toward zero trust with KeeperPAM®

Strengthen your organization’s security posture by investing in a PAM solution that supports a zero-trust strategy. KeeperPAM is both zero trust and zero knowledge, which helps prevent unauthorized access, ensuring that only the right users have the appropriate level of access. With features like role-based access control, Just-in-Time (JIT) access, and detailed auditing, monitoring and session recording, KeeperPAM helps your organization secure critical data and maintain tight controls over all infrastructure. 

To learn more about how KeeperPAM can secure your organization with its zero-trust strategy, request a demo today.