Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM)

 

What is Privileged Account and Session Management?

Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM) solutions are a class of privileged access management (PAM) solutions that grant users temporary admin access to privileged corporate environments on an “all-or-nothing” basis. PASM solutions that help manage, control, and monitor privileged accounts are part of an organization's risk management and cybersecurity strategy.

In 2017, analysts at Gartner divided the PAM market into two primary solution groups: Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM) and Privilege Elevation and Delegation Management (PEDM).

Differences between regular user accounts and privileged accounts

There are two main classes of users in IT security. Regular user accounts are those that most people use on a daily basis to perform routine tasks like checking emails, browsing the web, or using software in limited capacities.

Privileged accounts, on the other hand, come with additional rights and permissions that allow them to make significant changes to system settings or access sensitive data.

The key difference lies in their level of access. Regular user accounts usually only have enough privileges to perform basic functions required for their job role while administrative or privileged users hold an elevated level of authority that allows them more control over system configurations and operations.

Understanding this distinction is crucial when it comes down to managing security within an organization because it helps identify who has access to what information and how they can interact with it. For instance, if someone from marketing accidentally gets admin privileges, they could unintentionally disrupt critical systems or expose confidential data.

To sum up:

• User Accounts: Everyday tasks

• Admin Accounts: High-level operations

• Administrative Access: Control over major settings

• Privileged Users: Holders of extra permissions

• Administrative Privileges: Authority over critical system areas

By recognizing these differences between normal user profiles and those with special permissions (privileged), organizations can better manage security risks associated with each type.

Common risks associated with poorly managed privileged accounts

Privileged accounts, when not properly managed, can pose significant security threats to an organization.

One of the most pressing concerns is the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information. Privileged users have extensive permissions that could allow them to view and manipulate confidential data if their accounts fall into the wrong hands.

There is also potential for internal and external breaches. Poorly secured privileged accounts can be exploited by malicious insiders or cybercriminals outside your organization, leading to serious security incidents.

Additionally, there's a potential impact on business operations and the overall security posture of your company. Inadequate control over privileged user activities might disrupt essential services or cause unwanted changes in system configurations affecting operational efficiency negatively.

Managing these insider threats effectively plays a crucial role in ensuring regulatory compliance efforts succeed while maintaining a robust cybersecurity framework within any modern enterprise.

How Privileged Account and Session Management works

Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM) solutions typically access to privileged accounts via password vaulting, password rotation or password creation. Some Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM) tools manage cryptographic keys and offer application-to-application password management.

Once users request access from the vault, they may be given a temporary account with administrative privileges. Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM) solutions typically have the ability to monitor and record what occurs during that session. Once the session is finished, that recording is logged and used for compliance and auditing purposes.

Key Features of PASM Solutions

PASM solutions contain a variety of features designed to help organizations secure their privileged accounts. Here's a look at some key features:

Privileged Accounts Identification

Identifying privileged accounts is the first step in any PASM solution. It involves using tools and methods to spot these high-level accounts within your organization.

The criteria for determining account privileges can vary, but it often includes roles such as system administrators or users who have access to sensitive data. Keeping an accurate and up-to-date identification process is crucial because it helps you monitor any potentially risky privileged activity.

Access Control

Controlling access to privileged accounts is another essential feature of PASM solutions. This process involves implementing authentication mechanisms that ensure only authorized individuals can use these high-level accounts.

One common method used here is least privilege, which means giving users only the permissions they need to perform their jobs and nothing more. Another technique called segregation of duties ensures no single individual has too much power by spreading out administrative privileges among multiple people.

Session Management

Session management refers to overseeing active sessions involving privileged accounts, ensuring they're initiated and terminated securely without leaving room for breaches or leaks during transitions between different tasks or activities.

This also includes real-time intervention capabilities that allow security teams to step in when suspicious activities occur during a session.

Audit and Compliance

Auditing plays an important role in maintaining IT security through PASM solutions as well; this feature provides tools for tracking all actions taken on each account, creating an audit trail that can be reviewed later if needed.

Moreover, adhering to compliance requirements like those set forth by government regulations becomes easier with proper auditing processes in place since documentation regarding every action taken on each account gets automatically generated.

Password Management

Password management forms part of most robust PASM systems – including aspects like password vaulting where passwords get stored securely away from prying eyes while still being accessible when needed.

Moreover, best practices for password creation, rotation, and expiry are enforced to prevent the use of weak credentials. Measures are also put in place to protect password databases from potential breaches.

Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM) vs Privileged Access Management (PAM)

While PASM and PAM may sound similar, there are key differences between them that you should understand.

PASM focuses on managing privileged accounts within an organization and overseeing the sessions these accounts engage in.

On the other hand, Privileged Access Management or PAM is a broader concept that includes all activities related to managing access to privileged resources within an organization. This could include not just user accounts but also applications, systems, network devices etc., which require elevated permissions for certain operations.

The main difference is in the scope: while PASM is more focused on account management and session oversight specifically for privileged users; PAM encompasses a wider range of tasks including controlling access to various types of resources across your entire IT environment.

FAQ

Can you outline the role of authentication rules in privileged session management?

Authentication rules play a critical role in privileged session management by ensuring that only authorized users gain access to privileged accounts. These rules often involve multi-factor authentication (MFA), stringent password requirements, and continuous validation of user credentials during sessions to prevent unauthorized access and potential security breaches.

What best practices should companies follow to implement robust privileged session management systems?

To implement robust privileged session management systems, companies should:

• Enforce strict authentication and authorization controls.

• Utilize session monitoring and recording to track all privileged activities.

• Implement least privilege principles to minimize access rights.

• Regularly review and update access permissions and security policies.

• Ensure comprehensive auditing and reporting for compliance and forensic analysis.

Can you explain how AAPM fits into the framework of managing privileged account activity?

AAPM (Application-to-Application Password Management) is crucial for managing privileged account activity as it automates the management of application credentials, securing application-to-application communications. By securely storing and automatically changing passwords, AAPM reduces the risk of credential exposure and enhances the security of privileged accounts involved in automated processes.

What guidelines should be followed for privileged account curation to align with internal company policies?

Guidelines for privileged account curation should include:

• Defining clear roles and responsibilities for account management.

• Ensuring that account creation, modification, and deactivation processes are compliant with company policies.

• Regularly auditing privileged accounts for compliance with security policies.

• Implementing strict controls on who can create and manage privileged accounts to prevent unauthorized changes and access.