> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://phantanloc.gitbook.io/locpt_wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://phantanloc.gitbook.io/locpt_wiki/homepage/2.it-cntt/what-is-pam-privileged-access-management.md).

# What is PAM? (Privileged Access Management)

What is PAM?

PAM (Privileged Access Management)is a security framework designed to manage, monitor, and control access to sensitive systems, data, and applications.

It provides a centralized platform to manage privileged accounts, which are accounts with elevated permissions that can access sensitive resources.

How Does PAM Work?

1\. Privileged Account Discovery: PAM discovers and inventories all privileged accounts across the organization.

2\. Account Onboarding: PAM onboards privileged accounts, which involves creating, updating, and deleting accounts as needed.

3\. Access Request and Approval: Users request access to privileged accounts, and PAM routes the request to designated approvers for approval.

4\. Session Management: PAM establishes a secure session for the user to access the privileged account, and monitors the session in real-time.

<figure><img src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D4D22AQG6ebvSe7onyQ/feedshare-shrink_1280/B4DZW7bj9QGkAk-/0/1742606333266?e=1746057600&#x26;v=beta&#x26;t=PXdp3ABtvLgC_w5OBezqzdaFTK1oGZ7B8MvZ4TEhAFE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5\. Session Recording and Auditing: PAM records and audits all privileged sessions, providing a detailed record of all activities.

6\. Password Management: PAM securely stores and manages privileged account passwords, and rotates them regularly.

Tools Used in PAM:

1\. Privileged Account Management Software: Software that provides a centralized platform to manage privileged accounts, such as CyberArk, BeyondTrust, and Centrify.

2\. Password Vaults: Secure storage solutions that protect privileged account passwords, such as HashiCorp's Vault and Thycotic's Secret Server.

3\. Session Management Tools: Tools that establish and monitor secure sessions for privileged access, such as Bomgar and ObserveIT.

4\. Auditing and Logging Tools: Tools that provide detailed auditing and logging capabilities for privileged access, such as Splunk and ELK Stack.

Benefits of PAM:

1\. Improved Security: PAM reduces the risk of privileged account misuse and cyber attacks.

2\. Compliance: PAM helps organizations meet regulatory requirements and compliance standards.

3\. Increased Efficiency: PAM automates privileged account management tasks, reducing manual effort and improving productivity.

4\. Better Visibility and Control: PAM provides real-time monitoring and control over privileged access, enabling organizations to respond quickly to security incidents.

Best Practices for Implementing PAM:

1\. Conduct a Privileged Account Discovery: Identify and inventory all privileged accounts across the organization.

2\. Implement a Centralized PAM Platform: Use a centralized PAM platform to manage and monitor privileged access.

3\. Establish a Least Privilege Model: Grant users only the privileges they need to perform their job functions.

4\. Regularly Review and Update PAM Policies: Regularly review and update PAM policies to ensure they remain effective and aligned with organizational needs.