Privileged Access Management, or PIM, is a framework for tools and processes designed to monitor and control the access privileges of root, client, and other administrative/service accounts on an organization.

Core Functions

A PIM solution is a multi-faceted effort requiring sysadmins, identity managers, as well as methods of access control and identity validation. To address these needs effectively, a well-developed PIM delivers a set of core functions:

• Least Privilege Enforcement: Limiting user access to only the most necessary objects
• Session Monitoring
• Just-in-Time Access: Granting access rights only when necessary, for the minimum amount of time necessary
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Requiring multiple levels of identification, making it more difficult to impersonate a user with legitimate access

Benefits of Privileged Identity Management

Strengthened Security

By enforcing least privilege and just-in-time access, opportunities for system compromise are limited. Additionally, enforcing user roles reduces accidental misuse of privileged systems.

Compliance and Audit Readiness

A proper PIM implementation should meet regulatory requirements (e.g. HIPAA, SOX, PCI DSS, GDPR) for privileged access control. Part of compliance includes logging system/resource access, which streamlines the auditing process.

Improves IT Efficiency

Automating routine tasks like password resets and access approvals reduce administrative overhead for IT operations, allowing admins to focus on other critical tasks such as system optimization, threat analysis, and strategic security initiatives.