Privileged access management (PAM) is an identity security solution that helps protect organizations against cyberthreats by monitoring, detecting, and preventing unauthorized privileged access to critical resources.

In an enterprise environment, “ privileged access ” is a term used to designate special access or abilities above and beyond that of a standard user. Privileged access allows organizations to secure their infrastructure and applications, run business efficiently and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive data and critical infrastructure.

Privileged account management: The creation, provisioning and secure disposal of accounts with elevated permissions. Privilege management: Managing how and when users get privileges, as well as what users can do with their privileges. Privileged session management: Monitoring privileged activity to detect suspicious behavior and ensure compliance.

Privileged access management solutions are crucial to protecting the privileged accounts that exist across businesses’ on-premises and cloud environments. Privileged accounts often hold the key to confidential and sensitive information that can be hugely damaging for organizations if they fall into the wrong hands.