What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?

Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a tool that helps manage and protect access to systems and sensitive data, particularly for accounts with elevated privileges such as Administrator Accounts, or those with access to critical organizational data. These accounts are used for managing and configuring systems and applications.

PAM tools come in both software (SaaS) and hardware (HaaS) forms, controlling elevated access rights for both individuals (administrators and other users) and machines (systems or applications). Additionally, PAM is an essential component of a cybersecurity strategy that helps prevent unauthorized access, reduces internal attack risks, and ensures efficient compliance with security regulations.

Key features of PAM include:

• Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM): Controls and logs privileged access to systems to prevent unauthorized access and monitor activities.

• Privilege Elevation and Delegation Management (PEDM): Grants temporary privileges when needed without providing permanent access.

• Secrets Management: Manages and protects sensitive information such as passwords or API keys to prevent data leaks.

• Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM): Controls and monitors access rights to cloud resources to prevent unauthorized access.

PAM is a crucial element in cyber defense strategies such as Zero Trust and Defense-in-Depth. It helps reduce the risk of attacks by controlling privileged access that allows users or machines to bypass basic controls to access higher-level privileges. For privileged operators, PAM ensures that privileged accounts and credentials are used only for authorized tasks and limits access to the bare minimum required.

PAM identifies risks such as privilege escalation, human error, and unauthorized privilege granting. Traditional PAM controls, such as credential storage and session management, ensure that users and services with privileged access are granted access at appropriate levels and times (Just Enough Privilege - JEP and Just in Time - JIT) to effectively prevent complex cyberattacks. Expanding and implementing PAM comprehensively with a focus on automation, machine identity management, and advanced analytics will be essential in improving the effectiveness of threat defense.

A strong PAM strategy enables visibility and control over privileged accounts across all organizational resources, making PAM a critical and high-priority component in an organization’s cybersecurity defense.

BMSP offers PAM solutions from various leading brands, allowing you to choose the best fit for your needs. Our expert team is ready to help you select the best solution to protect your systems and data from potential threats.

For consultations or quotations on our services, please contact BMSP at marketing@bangkokmsp.com.