Why is PAM used?

PAM is used to manage who has access to certain systems and data. A PAM solution works by tightly monitoring access and activity in privileged accounts while also maintaining regulatory and industry compliance requirements. This involves authenticating users with fine-grained authentication, automation and authorization, session recording and just-in-time access.

Typically, privileged users are IT and security admins, HR professionals, C-level executives or other individuals who need access to privileged systems. PAM also prevents privileged users from misusing their access, which reduces cyber risks.