What are the best practices for implementing PAM solutions for your business? Continue reading to find out our top five.
PAM has become a top priority for businesses and organizations globally, chiefly because of the threats of cybercriminals to privileged accounts. According to Gartner, around 45% of all organizations globally will have experienced cybersecurity attacks by 2025. This figure is three times what it was in 2021. In the same study, Gartner also reveals that organizations that adopt a cybersecurity mesh architecture would drop the financial impact of cybersecurity incidents by 90% by 2024.
The statistics above show how essential it is for organizations to invest in PAM and get it right. We will show you five best practices for implementing PAM solutions for your business.
PAM Explained
PAM is more popularly referred to as Privileged Access Management. It refers to solutions that provide organizations and businesses with a means of regulating access to their vital networks, data, and systems, especially with privileged users. The privileged users may be external or internal, and they include system administrators, applications requiring high-level permissions, and third-party vendors.
When you properly implement a PAM solution, it presents you with an array of benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Centralized management of all privileged accounts.
- Allows you to monitor the lifecycle of all privileged access rights.
- Reinforces security around privileged accounts and access rights.
- Ensures the traceability of each account’s activities.
Best Practices for Implementing PAM Solutions for Your Business
For your business or organization to fully enjoy the benefits stated above and more, you need to implement your PAM solution properly. To do this, you must follow certain best practices. Below are five best practices for implementing PAM solutions for your business:
Inventory and Categorize Privileged Accounts
Before you invest in a PAM solution, it’s crucial to know what you’re protecting. Start by creating an inventory of all privileged accounts within your organization. This includes user accounts, service accounts, application accounts, and other non-human entities. Once inventoried, categorize these accounts based on their level of access and the sensitivity of the data they can reach. This will help you prioritize which accounts require the most immediate attention and protection.
Enforce the Principle of Least Privilege
The principle of least privilege (PoLP) states that users should be granted only the access that is absolutely necessary to perform their job functions. When implementing a PAM solution, ensure that this principle is at the heart of your access control policies. Regularly review and adjust privileges to ensure they align with current job roles and responsibilities. This minimizes the risk of insider threats and reduces the attack surface for potential hackers.
Implement Strong Authentication Methods
A robust PAM solution must include strong authentication methods to verify the identity of users accessing privileged accounts. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a must-have feature, as it adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password. Biometric verification, smart cards, and one-time passwords (OTPs) are examples of authentication factors that can significantly enhance your PAM strategy.
Monitor and Audit Privileged Sessions
Continuous monitoring and auditing of privileged sessions are essential for detecting suspicious activities and potential breaches. A good PAM solution will offer real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing you to track what privileged users are doing at any given moment. Ensure that all sessions are logged and that the logs are immutable to prevent tampering. These audit trails are invaluable for forensic analysis in the event of a security incident.
Regularly Update and Patch Your PAM Solution
Like any other software, a PAM solution must be regularly updated and patched to protect against new vulnerabilities. Make sure you have a process in place for timely updates and apply patches as soon as they are released by the vendor. Staying current with updates enhances security and ensures that you benefit from the latest features and improvements.
How We Can Help
At Support Link Technologies, we are affiliated with two top PAM providers, BeyondTrust and ManageEngine. These two brands provide access to reliable privileged access management solutions that have stood the test of time.
Aside from granting you access to these solutions, we can help you choose the one that suits your brand. Not just this, we can help with the setup and provide consultancy services. Would you like to get started? Send us an email at info@supportlinktech.com.
Conclusion
Implementing a PAM solution is a journey that requires careful planning and ongoing management. Following these best practices can establish a strong foundation for protecting your privileged accounts and enhancing your overall security posture. Remember, a PAM solution is only as effective as the policies and practices that surround it, so stay vigilant and proactive in your approach. Visit our website for more information.