Why Privileged Access Management is Essential for Zero Trust

In the cybersecurity market, the focus has changed significantly over the years. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats has demanded a shift from conventional "Trust but verify" models to Zero Trust-based practices. The transition to remote work, further intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, has further highlighted the importance of such an approach. But, for Zero Trust to function properly, it is essential to implement the appropriate Privileged Access Management (PAM) controls.

Understanding Zero Trust

Before we delve deeper into the interrelation of PAM and Zero Trust, it's crucial to comprehend what Zero Trust represents.

Historically, organizations operated on a perimeter-based security model. The idea was simple: everything inside the perimeter (or the organization's network) was considered safe, while everything (and everybody) outside of this perimeter were treated with suspicion.

The "Trust but verify" model worked well during the early stages of the internet and business digitization. However, as technological landscapes evolved, so did cyber threats.

Zero Trust is not a product, technology, or service. It is mindset (or framework, if you prefer) in cybersecurity. At its core, Zero Trust operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify." Despite its name, Zero Trust isn't about the absence of trust. Instead, it concerns the absence of implicit trust. Every user, regardless of their location or association with the organization, has to continually earn their access to resources. Per definition, Zero Trust is a cybersecurity paradigm focused on resource protection and the premise that trust is never granted implicitly but must be continually evaluated.

The Role of Identity in Zero Trust

Identity plays an essential role in the Zero Trust model. Gartner projects that, by 2025, 60% of organizations will employ Zero Trust as their primary security protocol. Still, more than half will struggle to get its benefits, mainly due to the overlooked aspect of identity.

Ericom's survey reveals a strategic move in the right direction, with 42% of security professionals looking to kickstart their Zero Trust journey through Identity and Access Management (IAM), which encompasses Privileged Access Management (PAM).

PAM: The Cornerstone of Zero Trust

Privileged Access Management is not a new concept in the cybersecurity domain, but its relevance has never been more pronounced. Gartner's recognized PAM as the top project in Information Security for two consecutive years.

So, why is PAM essential for Zero Trust?

• Visibility and Traceability: A robust PAM solution provides a clear picture of all assets connected to an organization's infrastructure. This visibility is crucial as it offers insights into the credentials and privileges each asset holds, ensuring traceability.
• Continuous Evaluation: Zero Trust mandates persistent evaluation of trust. PAM enables organizations to monitor privileged access continually, ensuring that privileges are not misused or compromised.
• Mitigating Risks: With PAM, organizations can manage and track privileged access, thereby reducing risks associated with unmonitored access points and potential breaches.

Implementing PAM in a Zero Trust Framework

To effectively integrate PAM into the Zero Trust architecture, organizations need to pay attention to several key considerations:

• Active Directory Protection: Active Directory is often a prime target for cyber attackers. Ensuring its protection is vital.
• Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP): This principle states that users should only have access to the resources necessary for their roles, nothing more.
• Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing SSO simplifies the user experience, while MFA adds an additional layer of security.
• Endpoint Security: With the multiplication of devices in modern workplaces, securing endpoints – be it a smartphone, laptop, or IoT device – is crucial.

Privileged Access Management emerges as a critical component in the effective implementation of the Zero Trust model. As cyber threats continue to evolve, combining PAM with Zero Trust ensures that organizations remain a step ahead, safeguarding their invaluable data and resources. Remember, in the world of Zero Trust, trust is not a given; it's earned, monitored, and continuously evaluated. And PAM is part of the tools that facilitate this process.