Author: Nitin Uttreja

In the paradigm of zero trust architecture, Privileged Access Management (PAM) is emerging as a key component in a cybersecurity strategy designed to control and monitor privileged access within an organization. This article delves into the pivotal role of PAM in modern cybersecurity, exploring its principles, implementation strategies, and the evolving landscape of privileged access.

What Is a Privileged User and a Privileged Account?

A privileged user is someone who has been granted elevated permissions to access certain data, applications, or systems within an organization. These users are typically IT admins who require these privileges to perform their job duties, such as system administrators, database administrators, and network engineers.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, Network Access Control (NAC) stands out as a critical technology and process for authenticating and authorizing users on a private or corporate network. NAC not only restricts unauthorized access but aligns closely with the principles of Zero Trust — assuming no entity is trusted by default and that every user and device must be authenticated.

Why Implement NAC? Understanding the Problems It Solves

1. Intrusion and Anomaly Detection: NAC plays a pivotal role in preventing unauthorized access to private networks and detecting abnormal network behavior. Advanced NAC solutions perform both pre and post-authentication checks, ensuring that connected devices maintain a good security state.