As companies adapt to the new world of remote and hybrid work, security strategies are changing.
Regardless of where employees are working, employees still need access to different business resources like apps, files, and data/
But these resources also need to be only accessible to the appropriate employees, and IT teams need a way to control what users can and can’t access so crucial business systems and applications are restricted to only the people that need to work with them.
Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions have become essential tools for keeping organisations secure by managing privileged accounts and monitoring access to critical business resources.
What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a security strategy that controls access to critical systems and data within an organization. It involves managing the privileges granted to individuals who have elevated access rights, such as administrators, developers, and other privileged users.
PAM solutions typically involve a central repository of privileged credentials, such as passwords and private keys. These credentials are strictly managed and controlled, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access them.

When a user needs to perform a privileged task, they must request and authenticate access through the PAM system. This provides a layer of security and accountability, as all privileged activities are logged and monitored.
In addition to credential management, PAM solutions also often include features like session recording, password rotation, and privileged account monitoring. These features help organizations comply with regulatory requirements, detect potential security threats, and mitigate risks associated with privileged access.
By implementing a robust PAM solution, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, comply with industry regulations, and protect their critical assets.
Key features of PAM solutions
1. Password Management
PAM centralizes the storage and management of privileged credentials, ensuring they are securely stored and rotated regularly. This helps prevent unauthorized access and reduces the risk of credential theft.
2. Session Monitoring
PAM solutions provide real-time visibility into privileged sessions, allowing administrators to monitor user activity, detect anomalies, and identify potential security threats. This helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data.
3. Access Control
PAM enforces granular access controls based on roles, policies, and specific tasks. This ensures that users only have the privileges they need to perform their job functions, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
4. Activity Logging
PAM solutions capture detailed logs of all privileged activities, providing a comprehensive audit trail for compliance purposes and incident investigation. This enables organizations to track user behaviour, identify security incidents, and demonstrate compliance with industry regulations.
5. Just-in-Time Access
PAM can be configured to provide temporary, just-in-time access to privileged accounts, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. This ensures that users only have the privileges they need for a specific task, limiting the potential damage if a credential is compromised.
6. Integration with Other Security Tools
PAM solutions often integrate with other security tools, such as identity and access management (IAM) systems, network security devices, and security information and event management (SIEM) platforms. This provides a comprehensive security solution that can help organizations protect their sensitive systems and data.
Best PAM solutions for 2024

There are a variety of privileged access management software and solutions to help organizations manage privileged access and keep organizational IT infrastructure secure.
Here are ten of the best PAM solutions on the market today based on their popularity with users and range of features for keeping IT infrastructure secure.
Comments ( 0 )