What Is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a cyber security strategy used to control, monitor and secure privileged accounts that have elevated access to critical systems, applications and sensitive data.
Because administrator accounts have the highest level of access within an organisation, they are a primary target for cyber criminals. PAM helps reduce this risk by controlling how privileged accounts are used.
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Privileged Access Management Explained
Not all user accounts are equal. Some accounts have elevated permissions allowing them to create users, reset passwords, access confidential information, change security settings and control critical systems.
These privileged accounts represent one of the biggest cyber security risks if compromised.
PAM focuses on protecting accounts that can make significant changes to systems, applications, cloud platforms and security controls.
What Is a Privileged Account?
Global Administrators
Users with full control over Microsoft 365 and Entra ID environments.
System Administrators
Accounts responsible for managing servers, networks and infrastructure.
Database Administrators
Users with elevated access to sensitive business and customer data.
Cloud Administrators
Accounts managing Azure, AWS and cloud services.
Security Administrators
Users responsible for security policies and controls.
Application Administrators
Accounts controlling critical business applications.
Why Privileged Accounts Are Targeted
- They provide access to sensitive business information.
- They can disable security controls.
- They can create new user accounts.
- They can access financial systems.
- They can move laterally across networks.
- They often have unrestricted permissions.
- Compromising one privileged account can affect an entire organisation.
Key Components of PAM
Least Privilege Access
Users receive only the permissions necessary to perform their job.
Learn More →Multi-Factor Authentication
Additional verification before privileged access is granted.
Learn More →Privileged Identity Management
Control administrator access using approval and activation workflows.
Access Reviews
Regular reviews of privileged permissions and accounts.
Monitoring & Logging
Track privileged activities and suspicious behaviour.
Benefits of Privileged Access Management
- Reduce cyber attack exposure.
- Protect administrator accounts.
- Improve Microsoft 365 security.
- Support Zero Trust security models.
- Reduce insider threats.
- Improve compliance and governance.
- Strengthen Identity & Access Management.
- Support Cyber Essentials Plus readiness.
- Improve security visibility.
- Reduce business risk.
Privileged Access Management and Microsoft 365
Identity & Access Management
Integrate privileged access controls into broader IAM strategies.
Learn More →Common PAM Mistakes
- Too many Global Administrators.
- Shared administrator accounts.
- No Multi-Factor Authentication.
- Inactive privileged accounts remaining active.
- Excessive permissions.
- No access reviews.
- Poor monitoring of administrator activity.
- Failure to apply Conditional Access policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Privileged Access Management?
Privileged Access Management is a security approach focused on protecting high-risk accounts with elevated permissions.
Why is PAM important?
Administrator accounts are frequently targeted by attackers because they provide extensive access to systems and data.
Does Microsoft 365 support PAM?
Yes. Microsoft Entra ID includes Privileged Identity Management capabilities that support PAM strategies.
Is PAM part of Zero Trust?
Yes. Protecting privileged accounts is a core element of Zero Trust security.
Need Help Securing Privileged Accounts?
AceGuard helps organisations protect administrator accounts, implement Privileged Access Management controls and strengthen Identity & Access Management strategies.
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