Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Identity Access Management (IAM) are critical pillars of modern cybersecurity.
These systems are designed to secure access to sensitive resources, enforce principles like least privilege, and implement just-in-time access controls, writes By Simeon Tassev, MD and qualified security assessor (QSA) at Galix.
However, as enterprises increasingly adopt cloud infrastructures, the challenges associated with managing privileged access have grown significantly. Understanding these challenges and leveraging third-party expertise can help organisations optimise their PAM strategies for robust cybersecurity.
Even more important in the cloud
The shift to cloud environments has made identity management more crucial than ever. Unlike traditional on-premises setups with clearly defined perimeters, cloud infrastructures lack fixed boundaries, making it more challenging to secure access. Additionally, employees need to access corporate networks and tools from various devices and locations, further emphasising the importance of managing who can access sensitive information.
Frameworks like Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Zero Trust address these challenges by implementing stricter controls around identities, particularly those linked to privileged access, which have become prime targets for cybercriminals. If malicious actors gain access to administrative accounts, they can infiltrate systems, move laterally within a network, steal data, or disrupt operations. Effective PAM solutions go beyond technology, incorporating policies and procedures designed to safeguard sensitive identities.
Key challenges in managing privileged access
One of the primary challenges organisations face with PAM is managing over-privileged users. Over time, employees may accumulate access rights beyond what they need for their roles, increasing the risk of misuse, whether intentional or accidental. This issue is compounded in cloud environments where access can be provisioned rapidly, often without stringent oversight.
Another challenge is the need for continuous monitoring and anomaly detection. Many organisations lack the resources or expertise to detect unusual access patterns that could indicate a security breach. For example, if multiple administrators are accessing critical systems simultaneously or during unusual hours, this could be a red flag. Unfortunately, default PAM settings often fall short in identifying such anomalies, leaving organisations vulnerable to sophisticated cyberthreats.
Moreover, compliance and governance requirements add another layer of complexity. Organisations must not only control who has access but also ensure they can provide detailed audit trails of all privileged activities. This necessity often strains internal IT teams, especially in large enterprises with multiple users and systems.
Time to call in the experts
Partnering with third-party cybersecurity experts has become an essential step in addressing these challenges. The right partner will bring a wealth of experience and advanced strategies to optimise PAM implementations, ensuring that access controls are both effective and adaptable. In addition, an expert partner can implement anomaly detection systems that use artificial intelligence to monitor for unusual access patterns in real time.
By integrating PAM with Security Operations Centre (SOC) or Managed Detection and Response (MDR) systems, organisations can enhance their ability to detect and respond to potential threats promptly.
Third-party experts can add value by conducting regular audits and assessments. These help organisations identify gaps in their current PAM configurations and provide recommendations for remediation. For instance, experts can enforce strict justification requirements for access requests, thereby reducing the risk of over-privileged users.
They can also ensure that PAM strategies align with industry best practices. This includes implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all users, not just those with administrative privileges. By ensuring that even standard users undergo stringent authentication processes, organisations can significantly reduce their attack surface.
Practical strategies for optimising IAM
To maximise the effectiveness of IAM, organisations should focus on a few key strategies. First, applying the principle of least privilege is essential. This means granting users only the access they need to perform their job functions and nothing more. Implementing Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) can help achieve this by defining access levels based on job functions rather than individual users.
Second, organisations should consider implementing time-limited access for privileged accounts. This just-in-time approach ensures that administrative privileges are granted only when necessary and are automatically revoked after a set period.
Lastly, conducting regular training and awareness programmes is crucial. Employees need to understand the importance of safeguarding privileged access and the potential consequences of security breaches. By fostering a culture of security awareness, organisations can reduce the risk of insider threats.
Effective management is not optional
In an era where cyberthreats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, effective identity management is a necessity. Organisations must address the challenges of over-privileged users, inadequate oversight, and compliance requirements to protect their critical resources.
By leveraging the expertise of third-party cybersecurity specialists, businesses can strengthen their identity and access management strategies, ensuring they are well-equipped to defend against evolving threats.
Through continuous monitoring, robust access controls, and proactive policies, organisations can build a resilient cybersecurity framework that safeguards both their data and their reputation.