Privileged Access Management Software: Benefits, Features, and Examples

Overview

Privileged Access Management (PAM) software is a type of security software that protects sensitive data from unauthorized access by managing access permissions. PAM software ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks. In this article, we will discuss who uses PAM software, the benefits of using it, its key features, and provide five examples of PAM software.

Who Uses PAM Software

Organizations: PAM software is commonly used by large organizations and enterprises that handle sensitive data on a daily basis. Companies in industries such as healthcare, finance, and government need to ensure that their data is secure and protected from unauthorized access.

IT Administrators: PAM software is also used by IT administrators who need to manage access controls for their organization’s networks, systems, and applications.

Benefits of PAM Software

Improved Security: PAM software helps improve an organization’s security posture by ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive data. By reducing the risk of data breaches, organizations can avoid costly fines and damage to their reputation.

Increased Efficiency: PAM software simplifies the process of managing access controls by automating tasks such as password rotation and access request approvals. This results in increased efficiency and reduced administrative overhead.

Compliance: PAM software helps organizations comply with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS. By enforcing strict access controls and maintaining an audit trail of privileged access, organizations can demonstrate compliance with these regulations.

Features of PAM Software

Multi-Factor Authentication: PAM software often includes multi-factor authentication to ensure that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data.

Access Control: PAM software allows organizations to manage access controls for their networks, systems, and applications.

Privileged Session Management: PAM software provides a secure way to manage privileged sessions, ensuring that all activity is recorded, and any changes are approved.

Examples of PAM Software

1. Thycotic Secret Server (thycotic.com) – Thycotic Secret Server is a PAM solution that provides secure password management, access control, and privileged session management. Thycotic Secret Server includes features such as automatic password rotation, role-based access controls, and session recording. However, it requires an on-premises deployment, which can be a drawback for organizations with limited IT resources.

2. CyberArk Privileged Access Security (cyberark.com) – CyberArk Privileged Access Security is a PAM solution that provides continuous monitoring of privileged accounts, access controls, and threat analytics. CyberArk Privileged Access Security includes features such as multi-factor authentication, session recording, and risk-based access controls. However, it can be complex to deploy and manage for organizations with limited IT resources.

3. BeyondTrust Privileged Access Management (beyondtrust.com) – BeyondTrust Privileged Access Management is a PAM solution that provides password management, access control, and session management. BeyondTrust Privileged Access Management includes features such as credential injection, session recording, and policy-based access controls. However, it can be expensive for smaller organizations, and it does not have a cloud-based deployment option.

4. One Identity Safeguard (oneidentity.com) – One Identity Safeguard is a PAM solution that provides access control and session management for privileged accounts. One Identity Safeguard includes features such as session recording, behavioral analytics, and policy-based access controls. However, it can be complex to deploy, manage, and customize.

5. Centrify Zero Trust Privilege (centrify.com) – Centrify Zero Trust Privilege is a PAM solution that provides access controls, session management, and risk analytics. Centrify Zero Trust Privilege includes features such as just-in-time access, policy-based access controls, and session recording. However, it can have limitations when it comes to privileged account discovery and management.

Conclusion

Privileged Access Management software is critical to securing sensitive data and reducing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks. Its features, benefits, and examples make it an ideal solution for organizations in need of a secure and efficient way of managing access controls and privileged accounts. When choosing PAM software, it is essential to consider the specific needs of your organization and select a solution that best fits those needs.