Privileged Access Management refers to a system of IT security management protocols and procedures that help businesses manage and administer control of users that access key assets and solutions. The user may be human or non-human. This is used for privileged accounts that allow IT professionals to manage software, server hardware, and applications.
Privileged Access Management (PAM)-Why you need it today
Privileged Access Management refers to a system of IT security management protocols and procedures that help businesses manage and administer control of users that access key assets and solutions. The user may be human or non-human. This is used for privileged accounts that allow IT professionals to manage software, server hardware, and applications. Hacking privileged accounts allows cybercriminals to download the most critical data, infect the system with malware, and bypass existing security protocols while being able to hide their activity. The 2019 Thales Data Threat Report ranked privileged access as one of the greatest data security threats. A 2019 report by Verizon found privileged access issues to be the root cause of most security incidents and data breaches across industries. In 2021, a data breach cost SolarWinds Corp at least USD $ 18 million in just three months. In 2021, REvil demanded USD $ 70 million in ransom during the Kaseya cyberattack. Earlier, REvil had demanded USD $ 50 million in ransom from Acer after a ransomware attack. In 2020, Twitter saw USD $ 1.3 Billion in market value eroded after a massive hacking targeting prominent accounts.
Key areas where PAM is essential
Privileged access exists in the interaction between on-premise data centers and hybrid connectivity, cloud-native apps, DevOps infrastructure, SaaS software, etc., and other such nodes. Privileged access exists both as human and non-human access. In human access, you have superuser/domain administrative accounts, cloud shadow admins, emergency accounts, privileged business users, etc. In non-human access, you may have application/service accounts, SSH keys, RPA bot accounts, etc. While it is important to address all areas but one could begin based classifications based on risk as it is impossible to do it all at once. Classify your privileged access management strategy based on mission-critical systems, regulatory and compliance needs, customer and intellectual property data, and systems that are highly vulnerable as of now. Choose the classification where the risk and vulnerability are highest now and begin from there. The key benefits of effective privileged access management include better cybersecurity with centralized control, clear accountability, visibility with transparency, meeting compliance requirements like HIPAA/GDPR/CCPA, etc., and safeguarding brand value and even adding to it.
Endpoints where PAM needs to be managed
The privileged access points where PAM is required are manifold. Here is a brief indicative list:
• Human access-cloud service management
• IT infrastructure and resources- HSM, databases and nodes, virtual infrastructure, etc
• Applications-MS Office 365, MS Dynamics, ERP, CRM, Enterprise software, etc
• Software tools-RPA, virtualization software, network issues, etc
• Developer tools used
• End points-desktops, servers, laptops, etc
• IoT connectivity
• Unsuspecting and or negligent employees
• Finding and dealing with rogue insiders
• 3rd party access
• Forgotten privileged account access
• Securing data and activity trails even in the case of active threats
Top use cases
PAM can be used in the following ways:
• Protection of all privileged human and non-human account credentials and secrets
• Stopping the ability of movement from low criticality systems to connect with systems of high criticality and sensitivity
• Prevent internal attacks without any privilege escalation protocol
• Provide rights and access only to complete the daily work
• Establish accountability for all privileged account users by strict governance and compliance procedures. All activity by privileged users is monitored, recorded and audited regularly for gaps.
• Third-party access is limited to the performance of daily tasks with no additional access
How do you secure effective PAM application
Effective PAM implementation can only be achieved with a zero-trust philosophy and an effective strategy in place. Some of the key actions needed are securing privileged human and non-human credentials. The principle of giving least privileges to accounts must be adopted that just suffice. Privileged behavior must be monitored, controlled, and recorded extensively. Best practices in PAM must be implemented before, during, and after access is granted and even cancelled. The key best practices in effective PAM are:
• Understanding your current status
• Creating a risk-based priority policy for PAM
• Manage weak credentials and shared accounts and implement the least privilege. Only need-based temporary privilege escalation must be allowed which must be closed properly.
• Monitor and audit activity and usage regularly. Use the data to optimize access.
• Establish governance policies and ensure buy-in across all stakeholders
The need for a PAM expert
It will be a daunting task to do all this on your own. Using a stand-alone tool would only be a quick fix in a few areas. You need to reach out to the right cybersecurity solution provider who listens to you and your unique needs holistically. You need a holistic approach that covers all aspects without fail and failure is not an option. Each business has unique needs that cannot be addressed by a temporary balm as the threat of cybersecurity is evolving daily and you need to adopt a strategy that evolves with the black hat threat looming now and in the future. The cost of a breach is far too damaging for any business no matter the scale or the industry. We at Tech AGRIM IT Solutions would love to help you in enhancing your PAM capability with state-of-the-art technology and tools. We are backed by years of distinguished experience in cybersecurity with global clients.