What is the Difference Between IAM and PAM and DAM?

Cybercrime is a topic that should be on the lips of every business owner. Research shows that data breaches and cyberattacks are on the rise. The global cost of cybercrime is expected to exceed $9 trillion in 2024.

To combat criminal activity and protect networks and sensitive data, organizations should embrace cutting-edge security solutions such as privilege access management. In this guide, we’ll explore IAM, PAM and DAM in detail, highlighting and discussing the main differences between these measures and the advantages of privileged access management solutions. 

For clarity amidst a throng of acronyms, IAM stands for Identity and Access Management, PAM stands for Privilege Access Management and DAM stands for Dynamic Access Management. 

What is the Difference Between IAM and PAM and DAM?

IAM, PAM and DAM are often used interchangeably when talking about cybersecurity, but there are key differences. 

IAM (Identity and Access Management) is an overarching solution, which governs and monitors access to all resources within a company network or system. 

PAM (Privilege Access Management) is an offset of IAM, which focuses on access to privileged accounts. 

DAM (Dynamic Access Management) is described as a mid-point between IAM and PAM. It restricts access to specific resources while providing additional information about how, when and why users are accessing them. 

What is the Difference Between an IAM and a PAM Engineer?

IAM and PAM engineers specialize in cybersecurity but the primary focus of their roles differs. IAM engineers deal with general access to company resources while PAM engineers focus on moderating and monitoring secure access to privileged accounts. 

What is the Difference Between PAM and IAM?

It’s common to come across these two phrases in the same sentence. IAM (Identity and Access Management) is a security framework, which governs general access to resources by managing user identities. PAM has a more specific focus. It controls access to privileged accounts, which are not open to all users. PAM is a subdivision of IAM. 

What is the Difference Between Privileged Access Management and Privileged Identity Management? IAM vs. PAM vs. PIM

Privileged access management and privileged identity management (PIM) are closely linked. Both are offsets of IAM. 

PAM manages privileged account access by limiting who can access specific accounts. Companies usually implement criteria based on roles and reasons why individuals need access to specific data. PAM solutions can provide just-in-time access to enable users to complete tasks via secure workflows. PIM tools allow organizations to decide which users can access privileged accounts and secure elevated accounts. It focuses on managing authorized identities and predefined permissions. 

Is PAM a Subset of IAM?

PAM is a subset of IAM. IAM relates to the overall framework, which governs access to company resources. PAM focuses on access to privileged accounts. These are accounts, information and data, which are not available to all users. 

PAM vs IAM vs IGA

IAM forms the basis of cybersecurity frameworks. PAM and IGA are additional building blocks, which strengthen defenses and help to prevent unauthorized access to resources, including privileged accounts. IGA stands for Identity Governance and Administration. Tech Targets defines IGA as, ‘Policy-based centralized orchestration of user identity management and access control,’ which ‘helps support enterprise IT security and regulatory compliance.’ Organizations can utilize IAM, PAM and IGA together to manage access and monitor activity effectively. 

Common Challenges with PAM

Implementing PAM tools and solutions can optimize security outcomes, but some companies experience challenges. Examples of common challenges with PAM include:

1. Reluctance to change: Sometimes, business owners and employees are resistant to change, including the introduction of PAM tools. This is particularly common when users have had privileges in the past. 

2. Integration with existing technologies: Integrating PAM solutions may be tricky if companies have existing technologies and legacy systems. 

3. Scaling up: PAM solutions should be scalable to ensure they meet the demands of growing businesses.

4. Complexity: PAM can be complex, especially if employees are not used to advanced security measures and access controls. It can take time to train employees and ensure they understand the benefits of more complex software and tools. 

5. Lack of knowledge about privileged accounts: In some cases, company managers and their teams may not be aware of all the privileged accounts and critical resources within the system, which makes implementing effective protection difficult. 

Using IAM and PAM Tools

IAM and PAM tools from Lumos are designed to simplify access management and protect businesses. Lumos offers sophisticated, intuitive IAM and PAM solutions to make it easy to monitor and limit access, maintain visibility and shield critical accounts. 

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IAM, PAM and DAM are often talked about in the same sentence, but there are differences. Understanding the key differences enables organizations to implement effective strategies to restrict access to privileged accounts and secure critical resources.

Lumos solutions deliver efficient, effective results. To find out more about how our privileged access management tools transform organizations, why not book a demo today?