What are PAM Best Practices?

PAM, or Privileged Access Management, is a pillar of cybersecurity, which reduces risks by limiting and managing access to privileged accounts. Organizations can use PAM tools to determine who has access to specific accounts and data, preventing unauthorized access. 

As cybercrime becomes more prevalent and threats become increasingly complex and sophisticated, it’s essential for companies to act. Implementing effective strategies prevents attacks and data breaches. In 2023 alone, there were more than 2,300 cyberattacks. The average cost of a data breach is estimated at $4.45 million.

In this guide, we’ll outline privileged access management best practices to help you strengthen your organization’s defenses. 

What is the PAM Best Practice?

PAM best practice tips are designed to help organizations improve outcomes and protect sensitive or restricted accounts. Here are some essential steps:

1. Identify privileged accounts: The first step is to discover and identify all the privileged accounts within your network or system and document user access rights within an inventory. Update the inventory regularly.

2. Draw up a comprehensive secure account password policy: Update or create a new privileged account password policy, which governs both employees and machine access. Issue frequent requests to change passwords. Using multi-factor authentication adds another barrier to enhance security.

3. Carry out regular audits: Audit privileged access controls regularly to highlight suspicious behavior or irregularities.

4. Embrace automation: Automating access protocols and prompts can help to streamline security processes, saving organizations time and money. 

5. Monitor shared accounts: This is important because shared accounts can be easy targets for cybercriminals. 

6. Make use of session monitoring and logging: This will give you an accurate picture of user activities across the network.

7. Add layers: Start with a strong foundation and add layers to restrict access and monitor user actions. As a base level, organizations should use RBAC (Role-Based Access Controls). 

8. Provide employee training: Employee training equips teams with the knowledge required to spot and act on threats and deal with privileged accounts. 

9. Adopt a least-privilege policy: This policy provides the most limited access freedoms. If a user requires elevated access, they can ask for the relevant permissions rather than having access granted automatically. This is known as offering just-in-time access. 

What are the Requirements for Privileged Access Management?

Privileged access management helps organizations prevent cybercrime by managing and restricting access to critical resources known as privileged accounts. PAM solutions enable companies to see who is accessing privileged accounts and monitor user activity during an active session. 

To implement PAM effectively, organizations must adopt effective security policies, follow best practice guidelines and ensure they have the tools and capabilities to act on procedures. If the policy outlines stronger password controls, for example, companies need tools to regulate password setting and alterations and implement multi-factor authentication. 

What is the PAM Strategy?

A PAM strategy is a framework or plan of action, which enables organizations to deliver effective privileged access management. The plan should cover the following:

• Full visibility of privileged accounts and user identities
• Control and regulation of user access 
• Continuous monitoring and regular auditing
• Policies that define and set boundaries to determine who has access to what and stipulate what happens if users break the rules
• The use of tools and automation software to boost efficiency and streamline processes

What is a PAM Tool Used For?

Privileged access management tools are security measures, which manage and monitor access to privileged accounts within a system or network. Organizations can use tools from PAM vendors like Lumos to secure privileged accounts, manage access and prevent unauthorized users from accessing critical resources. 

What are the Rules for Privileged Access Management?

Guidelines for privileged access management include:

1. Individuals with account access should not use their account for any unauthorized activities
2. Individuals who have access to privileged accounts should maintain the strictest confidentiality
3. Regular reviews of who has access to which resources should be carried out frequently
4. Tools should be implemented to track and monitor activity when accessing privileged accounts
5. Companies should shut down access for individuals who have left the organization or changed roles
6. There should be tools and policies designed to detect abnormalities and act on unacceptable behaviors

What is a PAM Workflow?

PAM workflows enable users to request access to specific resources to carry out a job or task. If there is a PAM workflow, the user must obtain access before they can continue, which provides an extra layer of protection. 

To implement a PAM workflow, companies must decide how access is granted, who approves requests and when requests are approved or rejected. Using templates is an effective way to streamline and speed up processes without compromising security. Lumos provides tailored solutions for organizations, offering fast, efficient ways to process legitimate requests, gather relevant information and authorize access. 

PAM vs. IAM

PAM is often talked about in the same sentence as IAM. IAM stands for Identity and Access Management. PAM is a subset of IAM. While IAM governs overall access to all resources, PAM has a narrower focus, concentrating solely on privileged accounts. 

PAM Tool Examples

Examples of PAM tools include:

• Password protection
• Multi-factor authentication
• Identity checks and verification
• Session tracking and logging
• User request workflows and access templates for just-in-time access
• Temporary authorization controls
• Remote access control tools

Privileged access management (PAM) is a security solution, which limits and controls access to critical accounts. Best practice guidelines optimize outcomes, offering effective protection for companies. 

To find out more about how Lumos can help you tighten security and restrict access to privileged accounts seamlessly, why not request a demo today?