Definition
Privileged Access Management PAM refers to the security strategies and tools used to control, monitor, and protect accounts with elevated permissions. These privileged accounts, often called superusers or administrators, have unrestricted access to critical systems and sensitive data. PAM solutions work by enforcing policies that limit who can access these accounts, when they can access them, and what actions they can perform, often through just in time access or session recording. This is crucial for preventing unauthorized access, insider threats, and reducing the attack surface of an organization's IT infrastructure. For example, a PAM system might automatically revoke an administrator's elevated privileges after a specific task is completed or a set time expires. Unlike general identity and access management IAM which governs all user access, PAM specifically focuses on the highest levels of access. Understanding PAM is essential for roles preparing for certifications like CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and CISSP.