Any individual that lives in the world of technology knows that there are dangers surrounding that are not visible. As with anything in life, there’s a dualistic side of using and relying on technology. Businesses and companies use IT in every corner of their operation; ranging from swiping credit cards to storing passwords. By allowing certain accounts to have access to this information concerning the credit card, they have created a privileged access account, briefly highlighting a user account from a privileged account.
Privileged accounts are those that have access to certain data (oftentimes more sensitive or important). They may also have access to the software behind the scenes. Meanwhile, day-to-day users might be employees that use the software at a micro-level. Conversely, privileged accounts can set passwords, create users, or change the whole interface.
A Privileged Account Has Access to Sensitive Data
While it’s undeniably useful to have such technology, there comes with privileged accounts, a certain level of risk. Bringing us to examine why implementing a PAM solution would beneficial to any of its users.
What’s majorly at risk here is data being breached by hackers. What are hackers trying to obtain? Usernames and passwords. This is simply and merely one facet of what PAM can protect. If one were to gain access to a company’s entire system, this individual now has total freedom not only to the data but possibly to how the company presents itself. Social media pages can be flooded with content that would doubtlessly drive business down. Luckily, this is avoidable.
Data Breaches and Hackers Can Be Avoided
PAM takes away the dated spreadsheet tracking of passwords. While this at first seems like the most efficient style of keeping them available for easy access, it’s just a bit far from the truth a dashed with optimism. Hackers are fairly smart and one step ahead of you and your optimism. They know this is where you keep your passwords and venture directly to these spots when infiltrating systems.
There’s a large percentage of breaches that occur from the obtainment of usernames and passwords. The pressing need to deem these impervious is warranted, outright.
Usernames and Passwords Are at High Risk
PAM acts on many different levels, protecting at both micro and macro parallels. Eyes will be watching, from the top to the bottom. It provides a safeguard by requiring various password authentications, audits of account activities, and hints at odd IPs. Naturally, there are plenty of other ways that privileged accounts can be monitored by PAM.
PAM Solutions Offer Protection at Micro and Macro Levels
If you’re looking to adopt a PAM solution, you’ve already started by educating yourself. It’s increasingly important to understand what a privileged account is and the abundant aspects of PAM. Continue to learn about PAM so that you can best educate yourself on how to protect your prized technology, data, and those passwords!
After implementation, the suspected danger is at ease and the benefits, or positive outcomes, will begin to emerge. Though these results may not be tangible, be sure to rest easy knowing that you have handed the job of the gatekeeper over to your PAM.
