What are the key differences?

Identity and Access Management (IAM) controls and manages user access, while Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a subset of IAM, with a focus on users with special privileges. So it is safe to say that the two concepts are related, but they are not the same.

The best way for your organization to know whether or not you need one or both is to get a solid understanding of each, their pros and cons, and how they should be implemented.

What is Identity and Access Management?

IAM policies control user access to organizational resources such as files, databases, and applications. This essential function serves as a gateway to who is granted access, who has administrative privileges and who is restricted.

What is Privileged Access Management?

As a subset of IAM, PAM is concerned with managing access specifically to sensitive resources and critical services. Certain employees may only have the right to access privileged information, such as those in IT who have administrative privileges. Likewise, managers often have privileged access to the files and systems of those under them.

IAM vs. PAM: Key differences

While there are many differences between IAM and PAM, there are also definite similarities. They both deal with access and identity. But it’s their target that makes the big difference. IAM is implemented widely across the organization, while PAM is targeted at those who need privileged access to key organizational assets – such as database administrators, IT managers, and accounts/finance staff.

As such, IAM directly affects credentials and their validation, while PAM is based on resource access validation using attributes that indicate the person’s right to enter core systems and perform sensitive operations. IAM provides the organization with broad control over common rights across the organization. In comparison, PAM guards very specific systems, databases and files to restrict access to a privileged few.

Furthermore, IAM generally includes a broader feature set. This includes automation, authorization, single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption, role-based access control (RBAC) and more. It also includes many features related to governance, compliance, risk and integration with other security applications.

IAM vs PAM: Use Cases

To better understand the differences between IAM and PAM, it’s smart to understand their different use cases.

IAM use cases

• single sign-on (SSO) provides access to a wide range of applications via one set of credentials, streamlines authentication processes, reduces IT overhead and improves security by creating trusted relationships that can be verified.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) require multiple forms of identification before a user is granted access to an account; extra layers of protection make it difficult for outsiders to gain access.
• IAM provides the tools for provision, on board and off board user access.
• Role Based Access Control (RBAC) restrict system access based on the role of the user.
• Identity Management use various policies, procedures and technologies to manage digital identities and access organizational resources.

PAM use cases

• Identify, track and manage PAM privileged accountswhereby only certain users are granted access to sensitive systems and applications.
• Account monitoring issues alerts when new uses are added to privileged accounts, making it easier to detect rogue permissions.
• Application Control to allow or block access adds extra layers of protection to highly sensitive applications and databases.

IAM and PAM integration

IAM deals with who can access what, while PAM determines whether access is appropriate and according to authorized use. In many organizations, these functions must be well integrated to maintain security. Some vendors provide platforms that integrate both functions.

There is risk when PAM and IAM operate in separate silos. Inconsistent access policies between IAM and PAM solutions can lead to security gaps. As well as the underlying coding or API management required to bring AIM and PAM together, there is a need to unify the policies that both use to operate. Policies must be fully consistent so that everyone wants the same kind of profile and uses the same basic workflows. Ideally, both identity stores will be brought together to simplify operations, reduce overhead and eliminate any blind spots for either system.

IAM pros and cons

Benefits of IAM

• Keep data and identities safe courtesy of features like MFA, SSO and encryption.
• IAM excludes unwanted visitors and provides a safe space in which collaboration can take place.
• The presence of IAM makes it easier for those working on compliance to comply with various regulations.
• IAM incorporates features like SSO so that once you’re in, you don’t need to enter further credentials for other applications and systems.
• IAM helps IT centrally administer identity management.

Disadvantages of IAM

• Poor identity and access management can cause users to gain greater access rights than they should.
• A shrewd insider or a disgruntled employee can abuse the system by granting rights to unauthorized users or leaving systems wide open, often without detection.
• Aligning all applications and users on one central identity system requires skilled IT and security professionals who can do a thorough job of implementing IAM and overcoming the many obstacles that stand in their way.
• Obtaining administrative privileges for the IAM system itself carries risks for the entire organization.

PAM advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of PAM

• Organizational security postures can be improved by controlling access to privileged accounts as a way to lower risk and prevent unauthorized access.
• Privileged accounts are monitored for security and compliance purposes to detect and prevent abuse of areas such as administrative privileges for IT changes.
• Many PAM tools include features that can monitor all privileged sessions in real-time for a quick response.

Disadvantages of PAM

• Privileged accounts can span multiple departments, devices, and applications, sometimes making them difficult to set up and maintain.
• PAM must align with other systems such as IAM and Active Directory (AD) and work smoothly with other applications without slowing down user productivity.
• PAM can sometimes be expensive and out of reach for SMBs due to the cost of the software, the need for trained resources to maintain it, and the training required.

Should your organization use IAM or PAM?

IAM has broad applicability in most organizations. PAM is often also necessary in large organizations or in businesses where the relevant information is particularly sensitive or the risk of an invasion is high. For some, unified IAM and PAM suites can simplify implementation and operations. But whatever software is used, the key factor is to minimize the risk of a breach.