Privileged Access Management (PAM): Securing Your Most Powerful Accounts in 2025

In today’s cybersecurity landscape, identity is the new battleground — and privileged accounts are the biggest prize.

Whether it’s a system administrator with root access, a developer with production credentials, or a third-party contractor with remote control, privileged access is the gateway to your most sensitive systems.

Enter Privileged Access Management (PAM) — a critical layer of defense in modern enterprise security.

What Is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?

PAM refers to a set of technologies and practices designed to secure, manage, and monitor privileged accounts in an IT environment.

Privileged accounts can:

• Change configurations

• Access sensitive data

• Install or delete software

• Bypass standard controls

If compromised, these accounts can lead to massive data breaches, system downtime, or compliance violations.

Why PAM Is Essential in 2025

• Insider threats and credential theft are rising

• Cloud and DevOps introduce dynamic, short-lived privileges

• Regulations like PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOX require access control

• Third-party access creates new risks

• Attackers use lateral movement via privileged accounts

PAM reduces the attack surface by ensuring only the right users have just enough access, and only when they need it.

Core Features of a PAM Solution

1. Credential Vaulting

   • Securely stores and rotates privileged credentials

   • Eliminates hardcoded passwords in scripts and apps

2. Just-in-Time (JIT) Access

   • Grants temporary elevated access for a limited duration

   • Automatically expires access after use

3. Session Recording & Monitoring

   • Logs and records user activity during privileged sessions

   • Supports auditing and forensic analysis

4. Command Control & Policy Enforcement

   • Blocks risky commands or actions in real time

   • Enforces least privilege policies

5. Approval Workflows

   • Requires manager or admin approval before granting access

   • Integrates with ITSM platforms (e.g., ServiceNow)

6. Integration with IAM & SIEM

   • Aligns PAM with identity governance and threat detection tools

PAM vs IAM: What’s the Difference?

They complement each other — IAM governs identity broadly, while PAM focuses on the highest-risk accounts.

Top PAM Solutions in 2025

1. CyberArk Privileged Access Manager

The market leader in enterprise-grade PAM.

• Best for: Large enterprises with complex environments

• Highlights:

  • Centralized vault and session management

  • Least privilege enforcement

  • Integration with SIEM and ITSM

  • Supports Windows, Linux, cloud, DevOps tools

2. BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access

Focuses on secure remote privileged access, including vendors.

• Best for: Organizations with many third-party users

• Highlights:

  • Agentless access

  • Session recording and behavior analytics

  • Just-in-time provisioning

  • Password-less authentication

3. Delinea (formerly ThycoticCentrify)

Lightweight, scalable PAM for cloud and hybrid environments.

• Best for: Mid-sized companies and agile teams

• Highlights:

  • Cloud-native vaulting

  • Easy deployment and role-based policies

  • DevOps secrets management

  • Browser-based access for admins

4. IBM Security Verify Privilege Vault

Part of IBM’s enterprise IAM suite.

• Best for: Companies already using IBM tools

• Highlights:

  • Credential vault

  • Real-time session recording

  • Anomaly detection

  • RBAC and strong compliance features

5. ManageEngine PAM360

A cost-effective and feature-rich solution for growing teams.

• Best for: Budget-conscious enterprises

• Highlights:

  • Role-based access

  • Approval workflows

  • Password rotation and auditing

  • Integration with AD, SIEM, and ticketing tools

PAM and DevOps: Protecting Secrets in Pipelines

PAM is evolving beyond static admin accounts. In DevOps, it secures:

• API keys and SSH credentials

• CI/CD pipeline secrets (Jenkins, GitHub Actions)

• Docker container access

• Terraform and IaC scripts

Tools like CyberArk Conjur or HashiCorp Vault are often used for machine identity protection in these environments.

Common PAM Challenges

• Credential sprawl across apps, systems, and users

• Resistance from IT teams due to perceived friction

• Complex approval workflows without automation

• Overprivileged service accounts with no expiration

• Lack of visibility into what privileged users actually do

To overcome these, organizations must:

• Automate provisioning and revocation

• Implement JIT and session recording

• Audit access regularly and enforce least privilege