What is Privileged Access Management ?
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a security practice designed to secure and manage the access rights of users who have elevated privileges within an organization. These privileges, often referred to as “privileged accounts,” allow users to perform tasks that are restricted to a small group of trusted individuals, such as accessing sensitive data, modifying system configurations, and installing software.
Why is Privileged Access Management important ?
The use of privileged accounts is necessary for many organizations, as it allows authorized users to perform important tasks that are required for the smooth operation of the business. However, these accounts also present a significant security risk, as they provide users with an elevated level of access to the organization’s systems and data. If these accounts were to fall into the wrong hands, it could result in a major security breach.
To mitigate this risk, organizations implement PAM practices to ensure that privileged access is granted only to those who need it, and that it is used only for authorized purposes. This typically involves implementing strict controls on the creation, distribution, and use of privileged accounts, as well as monitoring and auditing the activities of users with privileged access.
PAM practices can be implemented through a variety of technical measures, such as password management systems, two-factor authentication, and access control lists. It is important for organizations to have a robust PAM program in place, as it can help to prevent security breaches, maintain compliance with industry regulations, and protect the organization’s reputation.
How can LT Auditor+ help your business with PAM ?
LT Auditor+ is an IT Security Audit and Compliance Automation Software that is designed to help organizations mitigate the risks associated with privileged accounts. It can do this in several ways, including:
Monitoring and auditing
By monitoring and auditing PAM accounts, an organization can identify and record any suspicious activity, as well as track and record access to sensitive systems and data. This can help to identify potential security risks and ensure that privileged access is only being used for authorized purposes. LT Auditor+ offers real-time monitoring of PAM account activity, which is an important aspect of maintaining a secure and well-controlled environment.
Password policy management
Password management involves establishing guidelines for creating, storing, and managing passwords, and resetting them as needed. These guidelines, known as password policies, are often enforced using Group Policy Objects (GPOs). LT Auditor+ can monitor changes to Password Group Policies and alert you in real time if any changes deviate from the established policy. This helps to prevent unauthorized access to privileged accounts. It is worth noting that according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), while a minimum of 8 characters is recommended for passwords, 93% of passwords that are successfully hacked using brute force attacks are only 8 characters long.
Role-based access control
Role-based access control (RBAC) is an important security measure that limits access to authorized users within an organization. According to the Identity and Access Management Report, 62% of companies consider RBAC to be the most important aspect of Identity and Access Management (IAM) for protecting their resources. RBAC assigns users to specific roles and grants them access to the systems and data they need to perform their job duties. LT Auditor+ can help organizations assess access controls for privileged accounts to ensure that users only have access to the specific systems and data that they need for their job duties. This helps to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information and is an essential best practice for businesses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, conducting regular audits of Privilege Access Management systems is an important part of maintaining the security and integrity of an organization’s systems and data. LT Auditor+ helps organizations identify and address weaknesses or vulnerabilities in their systems to ensure compliance with industry regulations and best practices. Contact us today for a free trial!