Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies control user access to organizational resources such as files, databases, and applications. This function determines who has access, administrative privileges, and restrictions within an organization.

Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a subset of IAM that focuses on managing access to sensitive resources and critical services. It specifically deals with users who have special privileges, such as IT administrators and executives.

IAM and PAM both deal with access and identity management, but they differ in their target audience. IAM is implemented broadly across an organization, while PAM is specifically for users who require privileged access to key assets.

IAM focuses on credentials validation, while PAM validates resource access based on user attributes. IAM provides general control over organizational rights, while PAM restricts access to privileged systems and information.

IAM offers a wider range of features, including automation, single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, encryption, and role-based access control, along with governance and compliance functionalities.

IAM Use Cases

• Single Sign-On (SSO): Simplifies authentication processes and enhances security by providing access to multiple applications with a single set of credentials.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds extra layers of protection by requiring multiple forms of identification for account access.
• Tools for provisioning, onboarding, and offboarding user access.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Restricts system access based on user roles.
• Identity governance: Manages digital identities and access to organizational resources.

PAM Use Cases

• Manages privileged accounts and access to sensitive systems and applications.
• Account monitoring: Alerts for changes to privileged accounts to identify unauthorized access.
• Application control: Adds security layers to sensitive applications and databases.

IAM controls access, while PAM determines appropriate access to maintain security. Integration of IAM and PAM is crucial for consistent security policies and operations in an organization.

Separate implementations of IAM and PAM can lead to security gaps. Aligning access policies, coding, and workflows between IAM and PAM is essential. Unified identity stores simplify operations and enhance security.

Pros of IAM

• Enhances data and identity security with features like MFA, SSO, and encryption.
• Secures collaboration spaces and demonstrates compliance with regulations.
• Streamlines authentication processes and centralizes identity management.

Cons of IAM

• May result in unauthorized access privileges if not managed properly.
• Risks of abuse by insiders or disgruntled employees granting unauthorized access.
• Requires skilled IT personnel for implementation and maintenance.

Pros of PAM

• Enhances organizational security by controlling access to privileged accounts.
• Monitors privileged accounts for security and compliance purposes.
• Real-time monitoring of privileged sessions for quick response.

Cons of PAM

• Complexity in managing privileged accounts across multiple divisions and applications.
• Needs to align with other systems like IAM and Active Directory for smooth operation.
• Costly and may require specialized resources for maintenance.

IAM is suitable for most organizations, while PAM is essential for larger organizations or those with sensitive information. Unified IAM and PAM suites can simplify security operations and reduce the risk of breaches.

roosho Senior Engineer (Technical Services)

I am Rakib Raihan RooSho, Jack of all IT Trades. You got it right. Good for nothing. I try a lot of things and fail more than that. That's how I learn. Whenever I succeed, I note that in my cookbook. Eventually, that became my blog. 

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