PIM vs PAM: Which Access Management Tool Do You Really Need?
Remote work has become popular, making data breaches and cyberattacks more likely, especially when you have privileged accounts with higher permissions.
PIM and PAM differ in how they approach security. PIM looks at who should have access based on their identity. PAM, on the other hand, stops unauthorized users from accessing sensitive information. Both systems work on the principle of least privilege to control who can access secure systems and sensitive data.
People often swap these terms around, but they shouldn't. PAM puts security first by protecting privileged access to systems and data. PIM takes an identity-first approach by managing users with privileged access. This difference is vital because poorly managed credentials, excessive privileges, and forgotten accounts are the main drivers of data breaches, especially in remote and hybrid workplaces.
This piece will explain everything about PIM and PAM. You'll learn their main differences and find the right solution that fits your organization's needs.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the distinction between PIM and PAM is crucial for building effective privileged access security, as these complementary tools address different aspects of the same challenge.
- PIM focuses on identity management - determining who should have privileged access and when, while PAM controls how that access is used once granted
- Most organizations need both solutions - PIM handles the "who and when" while PAM manages the "how and what" during active sessions
- Choose based on your infrastructure - cloud-focused organizations may start with PIM, while those with sensitive on-premises systems require PAM's session monitoring
- Both implement least privilege principles - reducing standing privileges through just-in-time access and automated workflows significantly decreases breach risk
- Integration creates comprehensive security - combining identity governance with strict access controls provides the strongest defense against privileged account compromises
Understanding the Basics of PIM and PAM
Organizations need a clear grasp of access management tools to protect their critical systems. Let's look at the core concepts of PIM and PAM solutions and how they work together.
What is Privileged Identity Management (PIM)?
PIM helps organizations manage and secure the identities of users with elevated permissions. The system deals with who should have privileged access and under what conditions. It covers policies, procedures, and technologies that monitor privileged identities and ensure their use only when needed.
PIM systems manage the entire lifecycle of privileged identities from start to finish and control who can access these accounts. The main components include:
- Identity lifecycle management for privileged accounts,
- Access request workflows and approval processes,
- Just-in-time privileged access,
- Role-based access control (RBAC).
PIM helps organizations track privileged accounts, set governance rules, and reduce identity-based threat risks.
What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?
PAM controls and monitors how privileged users access critical systems and information. While PIM focuses on identities, PAM ensures secure usage of privileged accounts through session recording, password vaulting, and automated access controls.
PAM solutions provide:
- Credential vaults for secure password storage
- Session monitoring and recording capabilities
- Granular access control policies
- Automated privilege elevation workflows
- Just-in-time and just-enough access provisioning
PAM applies the principle of least privilege. Users receive the minimum permissions they need to do their jobs.
How PIM and PAM fit into IAM
PIM and PAM are specialized parts of the broader Identity and Access Management (IAM) framework. IAM creates the foundation for all identity security efforts, while PIM and PAM handle specific high-risk areas.
IAM controls access for all users. PIM and PAM focus on privileged accounts that create greater security risks. This setup creates a layered security system where:
- IAM handles simple identity verification and standard access
- PIM manages privileged identity lifecycle and governance
- PAM adds security controls for high-risk access scenarios
These systems work together to defend against external threats and insider risks.
Key Differences Between PIM and PAM
PIM and PAM work together to secure privileged resources, but they address different security challenges. Organizations need to understand their key differences to implement the right protection strategies for privileged environments.
Identity vs Access: Core Focus Areas
These tools differ mainly in their core focus. PIM is identity-centric and manages who gets privileged roles and the timing of role assignments. PAM takes an access-centric approach to control how users utilize privileged access after it's granted.
PIM focuses on authentication processes and identity lifecycle management. It handles the creation, governance, and deactivation of privileged accounts. PAM puts emphasis on authorization by monitoring sessions and making privilege elevation efficient to maintain secure access.
Use Case Scenarios: Onboarding vs Session Control
PIM shows its strength during employee onboarding by defining roles that determine resource access. The principle of least privilege is enforced through time-based and approval-based role activation.
PAM proves valuable in operational scenarios by delivering:
- Just-in-time privileged access to critical resources.
- Session monitoring for investigative audits.
- Secure remote access through encrypted gateways.
How PIM and PAM Work in Practice?
Let's look at how PIM and PAM systems work to secure privileged environments in real-world scenarios.
PIM Workflow: Role Assignment and Identity Lifecycle
The first step in PIM involves identifying roles that need privileged access. Based on security requirements, administrators assign users either an eligible or active status. Users with eligible assignments must activate their roles before using them. Active assignments give privileges right away.
The role activation process works like this:
- Users must request activation and specify how long they need it.
- Approvers get notifications to review requests that need approval.
- Approved users receive temporary elevated privileges.
- The system automatically removes privileges when time runs out.
PIM lets administrators extend or renew time-bound assignments that are about to expire. These changes need approval from designated administrators.
PAM Workflow: Session Monitoring and Just-in-Time Access
PAM systems control privileged sessions effectively. The system creates detailed audit trails by recording user activities on critical systems.
Just-in-time access is the heart of PAM's security approach:
- Users ask for privileged access to specific resources.
- The system checks requests against policies or sends them for manual approval.
- Approved users get temporary elevated access with strict time limits.
- The system removes access automatically once tasks are done.
This method cuts risk significantly. Instead of accounts staying active for a 168-hour weekly exposure, they only remain active for the few minutes needed.
Integration with Directories and SSO Systems
These tools blend naturally with existing identity systems. PIM connects to directory services and manages role assignments. PAM works with authentication systems to add extra security during sessions.
Companies using both systems get complete security coverage. PIM handles who gets access and when, while PAM controls how they use it and what they can do during active sessions.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Organization
A good look at your organization's security needs will help you pick the right access management tools. PIM and PAM solutions each have their own strengths that work best in different environments.
When to Use PIM Alone
Companies with mostly cloud-based resources work well with PIM-only setups. PIM tools help manage just-in-time access for set time periods and cut down standing privileges. Small businesses that have fewer privileged accounts or focus on identity governance can start with PIM. The best solutions offer flexibility and ease of use that grow as your privileged access needs expand.
When PAM is Essential
PAM plays a vital role for companies that manage sensitive on-premises infrastructure or face strict regulatory requirements. Security experts report that over 80% of breaches happen through compromised privileged accounts. PAM's ability to monitor sessions gives you audit trails and clear visibility into privileged activities.
Why Most Organizations Need Both
Companies end up needing both solutions to work together. PIM handles who gets access and when, while PAM manages how they use it and what they can do during active sessions. This complete approach builds a unified access governance framework that leaves no visibility gaps.
Evaluating Based on Compliance and Risk
Risk assessment should drive your implementation priorities. Getting a full picture of PAM risks means identifying privileged users, setting access levels, checking risks, putting controls in place, and reviewing procedures regularly. Many regulators, audit frameworks, and cyber insurers now actively require PAM controls such as credential management and session monitoring.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Privileged Identity Management (PIM) | Privileged Access Management (PAM) |
| Core Focus | Identity-centric | Access-centric |
| Main Goal | Managing who should have privileged access | Controlling and monitoring how privileged access is used |
| Core Components |
- Identity lifecycle management
- Access request workflows - Just-in-time privileged access - Role-based access control |
- Credential vaults
- Session monitoring and recording - Granular access control policies - Automated privilege elevation |
| Security Approach |
- Identity authentication
- Role-based control - Time-based role activation |
- Credential vaulting
- Multi-factor authentication - Least privilege policies |
| Key Functions |
- Managing identity lifecycle
- Defining access roles - Handling role assignments - Authentication processes |
- Session monitoring
- Password vaulting - Access control - Authorization processes |
| Use Case Strength | Employee onboarding and role definition | Operational security and session control |
| Workflow Focus | Role assignment and identity lifecycle management | Session monitoring and just-in-time access |
| Best Suited For | Organizations using cloud-based resources with focus on identity governance | Organizations with sensitive on-premises infrastructure or strict regulatory requirements |
Conclusion
The choice between PIM and PAM depends on your organization's security needs instead of seeing them as competing solutions. PIM handles the identity component by determining who gets privileged access and when. PAM controls how that access works once granted. These systems collaborate within a broader IAM framework to protect against external threats and insider risks effectively.
Organizations that run mostly cloud-based systems may find PIM-focused setups more beneficial. Those managing sensitive on-premises systems or meeting strict regulatory requirements need PAM's reliable session monitoring and credential management features. Most enterprises need both systems to work together.
The difference between identity-centric and access-centric approaches shows a basic security philosophy. PIM manages privileged identities' lifecycle efficiently, while PAM excels at operational security through session recording and just-in-time access provisioning. These solutions work together to address security gaps that either one might miss alone.
Security breaches often result from poorly managed credentials or excessive privileges. PIM and PAM tackle these issues through different yet complementary methods. Companies can better protect their privileged environments by understanding each system's strengths. Proper deployment of both systems helps reduce the attack surface by limiting privileged access time and maintaining proper oversight throughout the access lifecycle.
The real question isn't about choosing between PIM and PAM. Organizations should focus on implementing both solutions within their security architecture effectively. A strategic combination of identity governance and strict access controls offers the best defense against modern security threats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between PIM and PAM?
PIM focuses on managing who should have privileged access based on their identity, while PAM concentrates on controlling and monitoring how privileged access is used once granted.
Can an organization use only PIM or PAM, or are both necessary?
While some organizations may start with just one solution, most enterprises benefit from implementing both PIM and PAM. PIM handles identity management aspects, while PAM provides crucial operational security measures.
How do PIM and PAM contribute to the principle of least privilege?
Both PIM and PAM implement least privilege principles by reducing standing privileges through just-in-time access, role-based controls, and automated workflows, significantly decreasing the risk of security breaches.
Which solution is better suited for cloud-based infrastructures?
Organizations with primarily cloud-based resources may benefit more from PIM-focused implementations, as they effectively manage just-in-time access for defined time periods and reduce standing privileges in cloud environments.
How do PIM and PAM fit into the broader Identity and Access Management (IAM) framework?
PIM and PAM are specialized subsets within the broader IAM framework. While IAM handles basic identity verification and standard access for all users, PIM and PAM focus exclusively on managing and securing privileged accounts that pose greater security risks.
