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PAM (Privileged Access Management)
A security discipline focused on controlling, monitoring, and auditing elevated access to critical systems and sensitive data.
What is PAM?
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a cybersecurity strategy focused on controlling and monitoring access to privileged accounts - those with elevated permissions to critical systems, applications, and data.
Why PAM Matters
Privileged accounts are high-value targets because they provide:
- Administrative access to systems
- Access to sensitive data
- Ability to modify security settings
- Control over user accounts
- Access to audit logs
PAM Capabilities
- Privileged Account Discovery: Find all privileged accounts
- Credential Vaulting: Secure storage of privileged credentials
- Session Management: Monitor and record privileged sessions
- Just-in-Time Access: Grant privileges only when needed
- Password Rotation: Automatic credential changes
PAM Best Practices
- Inventory all privileged accounts
- Implement least privilege principles
- Require MFA for privileged access
- Monitor and record all sessions
- Rotate credentials regularly
- Remove standing privileges
- Conduct regular access reviews
Compliance Requirements
PAM helps meet requirements in:
- PCI DSS (Requirement 7, 8)
- SOX (Section 404)
- HIPAA (Access Controls)
- GDPR (Access Management)
- NIST frameworks