How do organizations protect their most sensitive accounts from cyber threats?
PIM vs. PAM: In today’s digital landscape, organizations face increasing threats from cyberattacks that target privileged accounts and sensitive systems. A robust Identity and Access Management (IAM) strategy is essential to mitigate these risks, and two key components of IAM are Privileged Identity Management (PIM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM).
Both PIM and PAM play crucial roles in enhancing security by managing privileged identities and controlling access to critical resources. PIM focuses on who gets elevated access, while PAM governs how that access is used. These solutions help enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users only have the access they need, when they need it, and under strict security controls.
For businesses, the importance of PIM and PAM cannot be overstated. Cybercriminals frequently target privileged accounts to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems. Without proper management, these accounts can become significant security vulnerabilities, leading to financial loss, reputational damage, and compliance violations.
What is Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is a security feature within Microsoft Entra ID designed to manage, control, and monitor privileged access to critical resources. It allows organizations to enforce the principle of least privilege by granting just-in-time (JIT) access to users, ensuring that administrative roles are assigned only when necessary and for a limited time.
Key Features of PIM:
- Just-in-Time (JIT) Access: Users receive temporary access to privileged roles, reducing the risk of standing permissions being exploited.
- Role-Based Assignments: Assigns administrative roles based on organizational policies and predefined conditions.
- Approval Workflows: Requires approval from designated personnel before activating privileged roles.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra security layer by requiring additional identity verification before role activation.
- Access Reviews: Enables periodic reviews of privileged access to ensure that only authorized users retain permissions.
Use-Case Scenario:
An IT administrator needs access to Azure Global Administrator privileges to perform a system update. Instead of having standing privileges, they request temporary elevation through PIM. Upon approval and MFA verification, the administrator gains access for a specified duration. After the update, the permissions automatically expire, reducing security risks.
What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)
Privileged Access Management (PAM) extends beyond identity management by focusing on the security, monitoring, and control of privileged sessions. While PIM manages who gets privileged access, PAM ensures that the use of privileged access is secured, monitored, and audited.
Key Features of PAM:
- Credential Vaulting: Stores and secures privileged account credentials, reducing exposure to unauthorized users.
- Session Monitoring and Recording: Tracks privileged sessions in real-time, enabling security audits and forensic investigations.
- Just-in-Time (JIT) Access: Similar to PIM, PAM grants time-bound access to critical systems and accounts.
- Automated Password Rotation: Regularly updates privileged account passwords to reduce the risk of credential theft.
- Least Privilege Enforcement: Ensures users only have access to the required resources, minimizing attack surfaces.
Use-Case Scenario:
A third-party consultant needs temporary access to a company’s financial database. Using PAM, their credentials are stored in a secure vault, and access is granted for a specific session. The session is monitored and recorded, and once the consultant logs out, access is revoked, and the password is automatically rotated.
Comparison Between PIM and PAM
| Feature | Privileged Identity Management (PIM) | Privileged Access Management (PAM) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Manages who gets privileged access | Manages how privileged access is used |
| Scope | Controls access to privileged roles and resources | Controls session security and privileged credentials |
| Just-in-Time (JIT) Access | Grants temporary role elevation | Grants temporary access to privileged accounts and systems |
| Approval Workflow | Requires admin approval for role activation | Requires approval for privileged session initiation |
| Session Monitoring | Limited monitoring of role usage | Full session monitoring, recording, and auditing |
| Credential Vaulting | Not applicable | Stores, rotates, and manages privileged credentials securely |
| Access Reviews | Conducts periodic reviews of privileged role assignments | Monitors privileged session activities in real-time |
| Use Case Example | A user requests temporary Azure Global Admin access | A user accesses a secure database with a temporary session |
Why Are PIM and PAM Essential?
Both PIM and PAM play complementary roles in securing privileged identities and access. Implementing PIM and PAM solutions offers several benefits:
- Reduces the risk of privileged account abuse by enforcing just-in-time and least privileged access.
- Enhances security posture by implementing access controls, monitoring, and audit trails.
- Ensures regulatory compliance with frameworks like NIST, GDPR, and ISO 27001.
- Minimizes insider threats and external cyberattacks by controlling privileged access with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and approval workflows.
As organizations scale and adopt cloud environments, managing privileged access becomes even more critical. You can use PIM for role-based access control and PAM for securing privileged sessions and credentials, ensuring comprehensive security and compliance.