Maximum Protection for Privileged Access

Privileged Access Management (PAM)

Privileged access and administrator accounts pose a particularly high security risk due to their extensive permissions.

  • 01Comprehensive control of privileged access
  • 02Protection against internal and external threats
  • 03Fulfillment of regulatory compliance requirements
  • 04Complete logging and traceability
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11+Years of experience
120+Employees
540+Projects
ISO 27001certified

What Is PAM? Privileged Access Management Explained

Privileged Access Management (PAM) protects privileged accounts that have access to critical systems and sensitive data. Privileged accounts are the prime attack target: over 80% of cyberattacks exploit compromised privileged identities. PAM mitigates these risks through credential vaulting, just-in-time access, session monitoring, and the least-privilege principle while simultaneously serving as a key compliance demonstration for DORA, NIS2, and ISO 27001.

Our PAM service portfolio includes strategic consulting, design, implementation, and continuous optimization of all aspects of Privileged Access Management. We support you in selecting the right PAM solution, defining effective processes, and integrating into your existing security architecture. We rely on a pragmatic approach that balances security, compliance, and user-friendliness.

8 service modules

Service scope

01

PAM Strategy & Architecture

We support you in developing a comprehensive PAM strategy and designing an appropriate PAM architecture. This forms the foundation for all further measures and ensures that your PAM initiative is aligned with your specific security requirements, IT landscape, and organizational framework.

  • Analysis of the current privileged access landscape
  • Development of a comprehensive PAM strategy and roadmap
  • Design of a flexible PAM architecture
  • Definition of PAM policies and standards
02

Credential Management & Password Vault

Secure management of privileged credentials is a central component of any PAM solution. We support you in implementing a password vault and comprehensive credential management that ensures the highest security for privileged credentials while providing user-friendly processes for their use.

  • Setup of a secure password vault
  • Implementation of automatic password rotation
  • Establishment of credential check-out processes
  • Integration with existing identity management systems
03

Session Management & Monitoring

Monitoring and controlling privileged sessions is crucial for preventing and detecting abusive activities. We help you implement comprehensive session management that enables granular control over privileged activities and creates complete traceability for audit and compliance purposes.

  • Building session management and session gateway
  • Implementation of session recording and monitoring
  • Establishment of session approval workflows
  • Integration into security monitoring and SIEM systems
04

Just-in-Time & Least Privilege Access

Minimizing permanently assigned privileged rights is one of the most effective measures to reduce the attack surface. We support you in implementing Just-in-Time and Least-Privilege concepts that provide privileged rights only temporarily, purpose-bound, and to the minimum extent required.

  • Design and implementation of Just-in-Time privileges
  • Implementation of granular permission concepts
  • Establishment of approval workflows for privileged activities
  • Automatic deactivation of temporary permissions
05

PAM for Cloud & DevOps

Modern IT environments with cloud services, DevOps pipelines, and containerized applications place special demands on PAM. We help you implement PAM concepts and solutions specifically designed to secure privileged access in these dynamic environments.

  • Securing cloud administrator access
  • PAM integration into CI/CD pipelines and DevOps workflows
  • Management of API keys and service accounts
  • Automated secrets management in containerized environments
06

PAM Governance & Compliance

Comprehensive PAM requires not only technical solutions but also effective governance and clear processes. We support you in establishing PAM governance that meets compliance requirements, defines clear responsibilities, and ensures continuous improvement of your PAM measures.

  • Development of a PAM governance framework
  • Implementation of compliance reporting and evidence
  • Building PAM audit and control mechanisms
  • Integration of PAM into overall risk management
07

Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM)

Central management and control of privileged credentials with secure storage, automated rotation, and detailed session recording.

  • Secure credential storage in central vault
  • Automated password rotation and Just-in-Time access
  • Session recording and real-time monitoring
  • Comprehensive audit trails for compliance evidence
08

Privileged Elevation and Delegation Management (PEDM)

Dynamic privilege elevation at the endpoint level according to the Least-Privilege principle for granular control without full administrator rights.

  • Temporary privilege elevation for specific tasks
  • Application and process-specific controls
  • Reduction of permanent administrator rights
  • Integration into endpoint security solutions

5 phases

Our Approach

Our approach to PAM projects follows a proven methodology that we adapt to your specific requirements and circumstances. We combine technical expertise with process understanding to develop a comprehensive solution that meets security requirements while supporting operational workflows.

  1. Step 1

    Analysis and Assessment - Identification and classification of privileged accounts and access, evaluation of current security measures, analysis of organizational and technical framework conditions, identification of risks and vulnerabilities, definition of security requirements and objectives, creation of a requirements catalog

  2. Step 2

    Strategy Development and Design - Development of a PAM strategy and roadmap, design of a targeted PAM architecture, definition of processes for managing privileged access, design of roles and responsibilities, selection of suitable technologies and solutions, creation of an implementation plan

  3. Step 3

    Implementation - Building the PAM infrastructure, setup of password vaults and credential management, implementation of session management and recording, configuration of access policies and workflows, integration into existing systems and processes, building reporting and alerting

  4. Step 4

    Rollout and Adoption - Conducting pilot projects with selected user groups, adjustment and optimization based on feedback, phased expansion to all relevant systems and users, training of administrators and users, establishment of support and escalation processes, accompanying change management measures

  5. Step 5

    Operations and Continuous Improvement - Transition to regular operations, establishment of a continuous improvement process, regular review and optimization of configurations and policies, adaptation to changing threats and requirements, integration of new systems and technologies, support for audits and compliance evidence

Sarah Richter

Your contact

Sarah Richter

Head of Information Security, Cyber Security

10+ years of experience, CISA, CISM, Lead Auditor, DORA, NIS2, BCM, Cyber and Information Security

+49 69 913 113-01 info@advisori.de LinkedIn
In our PAM projects, we consistently see that the key to success lies in the balanced combination of security and user-friendliness. A PAM solution can be as secure as possible – if it disproportionately complicates the daily work of administrators, they will look for workarounds. We therefore recommend involving administrators early in the project and taking their requirements and concerns seriously. A tiered security approach has also proven particularly effective: maximum security with strict four-eyes principle and session recording for highly critical systems, more pragmatic solutions for less critical systems that keep administrative effort within reasonable limits.
ADVISORI expert opinion

Our Strengths

  • 01Comprehensive experience with leading PAM solutions
  • 02Consideration of technical and organizational aspects
  • 03Proven methodology for successful PAM projects
  • 04Smooth integration into your existing IT security architecture

Expert Tip

Start your PAM project with a comprehensive inventory of all privileged accounts – including hidden and forgotten ones. Most organizations significantly underestimate the actual number of their privileged access points. For implementation, we recommend a phased approach: start with the most critical systems and access points and gradually expand the scope. Just-in-Time privileges, where administrator rights are granted only temporarily and purpose-bound, have proven to be a particularly effective measure to reduce the attack surface. Ensure that your PAM solution is not only technically solid but also user-friendly – only then will you achieve high acceptance among your administrators.

12 QUESTIONS, BRIEFLY ANSWERED

Frequently asked questions about Privileged Access Management (PAM)

What is Privileged Access Management (PAM) and why is it relevant for my organization?

Privileged Access Management (PAM) refers to a combination of technologies, processes, and policies for controlling, monitoring, and securing privileged accounts and access within an IT environment. This includes administrator accounts, service accounts, technical system access, and cloud permissions with extensive rights. Since compromised privileged access plays a central role in the majority of serious security incidents according to current studies, PAM is an indispensable component of any modern IT security strategy. For companies in the financial sector, PAM is also a regulatory requirement addressed by frameworks such as DORA, BAIT, MaRisk, and ISO 27001. ADVISORI supports you in developing and sustainably operating a PAM solution tailored to your organizational structure.

Which regulatory requirements are addressed by a PAM solution?

A professionally implemented PAM solution addresses a wide range of regulatory requirements that are particularly relevant for financial institutions. These include the requirements of DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act), BAIT (Supervisory Requirements for IT in Financial Institutions), MaRisk, as well as international standards such as ISO 27001 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. These frameworks require, among other things, the traceability of privileged access, the separation of permissions, and the demonstration of a functioning access management system as part of audits. ADVISORI possesses in-depth expertise in the regulatory landscape of the financial sector and ensures that your PAM implementation is fully secured not only technically, but also from a compliance perspective. Through our own ISO 27001 certification, we also bring a thorough understanding of the practical implementation of standards-compliant security measures.

How long does the implementation of a PAM solution take and what are the typical project phases?

The duration of a PAM implementation depends heavily on the complexity of the existing IT landscape, the number of privileged accounts, and the chosen solution approach. Typically, a PAM project is structured into the phases of inventory and analysis, target architecture design, technical implementation, integration into existing processes, and training and go-live support. Smaller implementations can be completed within a few weeks, while large-scale enterprise rollouts may take several months. ADVISORI employs an agile, phased approach that enables rapid security gains through quick wins, without losing sight of the overall target architecture. Our experienced consultants guide you from the initial assessment through to final sign-off and beyond.

How can PAM be integrated into cloud environments and DevOps processes?

Integrating PAM into cloud environments and DevOps processes presents particular challenges for many organizations, as traditional approaches based on static passwords and manual approval processes are no longer sufficient in dynamic environments. Modern PAM solutions offer specialized capabilities for this purpose, such as automated rotation of cloud credentials, securing CI/CD pipelines, and integration with secrets management solutions such as HashiCorp Vault or AWS Secrets Manager. ADVISORI explicitly considers the requirements of hybrid and multi-cloud environments as well as agile development processes in its PAM consulting. Through the principle of just-in-time access, privileged rights are granted only for the period they are actually needed, significantly reducing the attack surface in dynamic environments. Our experts work with you to develop a PAM strategy that balances security with development velocity.

What is the difference between PASM and PEDM in PAM solutions?

PAM solutions can be divided into two main categories: PASM and PEDM. Both approaches complement each other and are often deployed in combination.

🔐 PASM (Privileged Account and Session Management)

• Centralized management of privileged credentials in a secure vault
• Automated password rotation and just-in-time access to credentials
• Session recording and monitoring for audit and forensics purposes
• Particularly suited for servers, databases, and network devices

🛡 ️ PEDM (Privileged Elevation and Delegation Management)

• Dynamic privilege elevation at the endpoint level based on the least-privilege principle
• Temporary elevation of user rights for specific tasks
• Granular control over applications and processes instead of full administrator rights
• Ideal for workstations, DevOps environments, and end users

🔄 Integration and Differences

• PASM focuses on credential management, PEDM on rights management
• PASM operates at the account level, PEDM at the application and process level
• Modern PAM solutions combine both approaches for comprehensive protection

How does PAM integrate into a Zero Trust architecture?

Privileged Access Management is a central building block of every Zero Trust architecture, which operates on the principle of "Never trust, always verify." Integration takes place at multiple levels.

🔄 Core Principles of Integration

• Continuous verification instead of static permissions
• Context-based access control with dynamic risk assessment
• Micro-segmentation of privileged resources and access rights

🔍 Technical Implementation

• Just-in-Time (JIT) privilege assignment with time-limited access
• Adaptive multi-factor authentication based on risk profiles
• Continuous monitoring and behavioral analysis (UEBA)
• API-based integration with identity governance and SIEM systems

📊 Success Metrics

• Reduction of the attack surface through minimized standing privileges
• Reduced Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) for anomalies
• Increased transparency through end-to-end visibility of all privileged activities

🔁 Evolutionary Approach

• Phased migration from traditional perimeter-based models
• Continuous adaptation of access policies based on threat analysis
• Integration of new technologies such as behavior-based biometrics

What are the best practices for implementing PAM?

A successful PAM implementation follows proven best practices that encompass both technical and organizational aspects.

🚀 Implementation Strategy

• Phased approach with prioritization of critical systems and high-risk accounts
• Establishment of a baseline of privileged accounts and access rights
• Development of clear policies for privileged access prior to technical implementation
• Involvement of all stakeholders, particularly IT administrators and security teams

🛠 ️ Technical Configuration

• Implementation of the least-privilege principle for all users and systems
• Automated password rotation with complex, unique passwords
• Segmentation of the PAM system from the rest of the network
• Redundancy and high availability for critical PAM components

👥 Governance and Processes

• Establishment of formal approval processes for privileged access
• Regular review and recertification of access rights
• Integration into change management and incident response processes
• Continuous training and awareness programs for employees

📈 Monitoring and Optimization

• Real-time monitoring of all privileged sessions
• Regular security audits and penetration tests
• Continuous improvement based on threat analyses and usage data
• Establishment of KPIs to measure PAM effectiveness

How does Just-in-Time (JIT) Privileged Access work?

Just-in-Time (JIT) Privileged Access is an advanced PAM concept that replaces standing privileges with temporary, on-demand access rights, thereby significantly reducing the attack surface.

⏱ ️ Core Principles of JIT

• Zero Standing Privileges: no permanent administrator rights
• Temporary privilege assignment only upon demonstrated need
• Automatic revocation upon expiration of the approved time window
• Context-based approval processes with workflow integration

🔄 Technical Implementation

• Automated elevation of user rights for specific tasks
• Temporary addition to privileged groups (e.g., in Active Directory)
• Dynamic generation of temporary credentials with short lifespans
• API-based integration with ticketing and ITSM systems

🛠 ️ Use Cases

• Emergency access (break glass) with expedited approval
• Routine maintenance with predefined time windows
• DevOps pipelines with automated privilege assignment
• Cloud resource management with temporary API tokens

📈 Advantages Over Traditional Approaches

• Dramatic reduction of the attack surface through minimized privileges
• Improved traceability through clear purpose-binding for each access
• Reduced administrative overhead through automation
• Enhanced security without impacting productivity

What role does PAM play in defending against insider threats?

Privileged Access Management is a central element in defending against insider threats, as it enables the control, monitoring, and restriction of privileged activities.

🔍 Detection of Suspicious Activities

• Behavioral analytics (UEBA) for identifying anomalous patterns
• Baseline creation of normal administrator activities as a reference point
• Real-time alerts for unusual access patterns or access times
• Correlation of events across different systems

🛡 ️ Preventive Controls

• Implementation of the four-eyes principle for critical actions
• Segregation of Duties (SoD) to prevent concentration of power
• Just-in-time access with workflow-based approval
• Granular privilege assignment based on the least-privilege principle

📊 Forensic Capabilities

• Comprehensive recording of all privileged sessions
• Immutable audit logs for forensic investigations
• Video recording of GUI-based administrator sessions
• Correlation of user activities with system changes

🔄 Continuous Improvement

• Regular review and recertification of access rights
• Threat hunting based on insights from monitoring
• Adaptation of policies based on new threat scenarios
• Integration into security awareness training for administrators

How do different PAM vendors differ in the German market?

The German PAM market is shaped by international and local vendors that differ in terms of feature scope, target audiences, and areas of specialization.

🏆 Market Leaders and Their Strengths

• CyberArk: Comprehensive enterprise solution with a strong PASM focus and broad integration capabilities
• Delinea (formerly Thycotic/Centrify): Cloud-based approach with an emphasis on PEDM and DevOps
• BeyondTrust: Strong endpoint controls and comprehensive vulnerability management integration
• Saviynt: Converged IGA/PAM platform with AI-based analytics

🇩 🇪 German Vendors and Specialists

• iC Consult: Vendor-independent consulting and tailored PAM implementations
• IPG Group: Specialization in regulated industries with a focus on compliance
• MATESO: SME-oriented password management solutions with PAM functionality
• Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity: Highly secure PAM solutions for KRITIS and government agencies

📊 Differentiating Characteristics

• Deployment options: on-premises, cloud, SaaS, hybrid
• Target audiences: enterprise, mid-market, specific industries
• Technology focus: PASM vs. PEDM, DevOps integration, Zero Trust
• Pricing models: perpetual, subscription, usage-based

🔍 Selection Criteria for German Organizations

• Local presence and German-language support
• Compliance with German data protection standards and BSI requirements
• Integration with widely used German enterprise software solutions
• References in comparable industries and company sizes

How can PAM be combined with multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Combining PAM with multi-factor authentication (MFA) creates multiple layers of defense and significantly increases the security of privileged access.

🔐 Integration Levels

• PAM portal access: MFA for initial access to the PAM system
• Credential checkout: additional MFA verification when retrieving privileged credentials
• Session initiation: MFA challenge before starting critical admin sessions
• Privileged actions: step-up authentication for high-risk operations

🛠 ️ Supported MFA Methods

• Hardware tokens (FIDO2/WebAuthn, smart cards, YubiKeys)
• Mobile authenticator apps (TOTP, push notifications)
• Biometric methods (fingerprint, facial recognition)
• Out-of-band methods (SMS, email, phone call)

⚙ ️ Adaptive Authentication

• Risk assessment based on context (device, location, network)
• Dynamic adjustment of MFA requirements according to risk level
• Behavior-based authentication for continuous verification
• Escalation of authentication requirements in response to suspicious activities

🔄 Best Practices

• Implementation of different MFA methods for different user groups
• Emergency access processes for scenarios involving MFA failure
• Regular review and rotation of MFA devices and methods
• Centralized policy management for consistent MFA requirements

How does PAM differ from conventional Identity and Access Management (IAM)?

Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Identity and Access Management (IAM) are complementary security disciplines with different areas of focus, functions, and control mechanisms.

👥 Target Groups and Focus

• IAM: management of all user identities and their standard access rights
• PAM: specific control of privileged accounts with elevated rights
• IAM: broad coverage of all employees, partners, and customers
• PAM: deep control of a smaller number of critical administrator accounts

🔐 Security Mechanisms

• IAM: standard authentication and role-based access controls
• PAM: vault-based credential management and session monitoring
• IAM: self-service and delegated administration
• PAM: strict controls with the four-eyes principle and just-in-time access

🔄 Lifecycle Management

• IAM: focus on onboarding, changes, and offboarding of identities
• PAM: focus on temporary privilege assignment and detailed activity monitoring
• IAM: long-term permissions based on job roles
• PAM: short-term, task-specific privileges based on the least-privilege principle

🧩 Convergence Trends

• Integrated IAM/PAM platforms for consistent governance
• Shared authentication mechanisms and MFA solutions
• Unified audit and compliance reporting
• Consolidated policy management across all access types