How to Choose Your Privileged Access Management Solution
It is crucial to control the access to industrial Operational Technologies (OT) as it can have a high impact on our real life.
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a specialized area of cybersecurity focused on controlling, monitoring, and auditing the use of privileged accounts. Those accounts that have elevated permissions and can make critical changes to IT systems, networks, and sensitive data.
These accounts include system administrators, database admins, network engineers, cloud admins, and sometimes external contractors who need high-level access to perform maintenance or support tasks.
Unlike standard user accounts, privileged accounts can install software, change configurations, access confidential information, and override security settings making them prime targets for cyberattacks and insider misuse.
The main objective is to secure IT systems by removing unauthorized access to sensitive resources. This protection is based on two main axes:
> Management of the injection and life cycle of passwords used in administered resources and administration applications.
> The traceability of all the actions carried out when connecting users with a power of nuisance on the information system, in the form of audit or video traces.
The users with power concerned by the PAM may be internal users of the information system, such as system administrators or users handling sensitive data, as well as external users such as infomanagers or remote maintenance personnel. PAM tools can be used to secure on-site or remote privileged access.
Privileged accounts are often described as the “keys to the kingdom.” If compromised, they can enable attackers to:
Move laterally across networks without detection
Exfiltrate sensitive data
Disable security tools
Cause large-scale disruption or financial loss
Recent breaches show that attackers often start by targeting privileged credentials through phishing, malware, or exploiting misconfigurations.
Privileged Access Management addresses this risk by enforcing strict controls over who can use these accounts, how, and when.
Modern Privileged Access Management solutions typically combine multiple technical capabilities and policies, including:
Storing privileged credentials (like admin passwords, SSH keys, API tokens) in an encrypted vault
Automating password rotation so credentials change frequently, reducing the risk of reuse or theft
Eliminating hard-coded passwords in scripts and applications
Granting privileged rights only when needed, and for limited durations
Returning accounts to a non-privileged state when tasks are complete, following the principle of least privilege
Capturing detailed logs and video recordings of privileged sessions
Enabling real-time monitoring to detect suspicious actions and stop them before damage occurs
Requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accessing privileged accounts
Enforcing approval workflows for sensitive operations
Applying context-aware policies (e.g., denying access from unknown devices or unusual locations)
Generating comprehensive audit logs to prove compliance with standards like GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, HIPAA
Providing detailed reports for internal security teams and external auditors
Implementing PAM helps organizations:
Reduce the attack surface by tightly controlling privileged credentials
Detect and respond to potential insider threats or compromised accounts
Enforce consistent security policies across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments
Meet compliance requirements by ensuring accountability and traceability of privileged activities
Support secure remote work and third-party access without sacrificing control
PAM isn’t just a tool; it’s an ongoing security discipline. Successful PAM projects require:
Clear identification of all privileged accounts, including shared and application accounts
Regular reviews and clean-up of unused or orphaned accounts
User training and change management to reduce friction and improve adoption
Integration with broader Identity and Access Management (IAM), SIEM, and security orchestration tools
Organizations should start with high-risk accounts first, expand coverage gradually, and continuously monitor for gaps.
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is an essential pillar of modern cybersecurity strategy. By securing, controlling, and auditing the use of privileged accounts, PAM helps protect critical infrastructure, sensitive data, and business operations from both external attacks and insider threats.
Effective PAM goes beyond technology: it requires clear policies, user training, and ongoing vigilance to adapt to evolving threats in today’s dynamic IT environments.
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Read our article to learn how to choose your Privileged Access Management solution
It is crucial to control the access to industrial Operational Technologies (OT) as it can have a high impact on our real life.
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