Navigating the complexities of privileged access management

Issue 2 2025 Editor's Choice, Access Control & Identity Management

Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Identity Access Management (IAM) are critical pillars of modern cybersecurity. These systems are designed to secure access to sensitive resources, enforce principles like least privilege, and implement just-in-time access controls. However, as enterprises increasingly adopt cloud infrastructures, the challenges associated with managing privileged access have grown significantly. Understanding these challenges and leveraging third-party expertise can help organisations optimise their PAM strategies for robust cybersecurity.

Even more important in the cloud

The shift to cloud environments has made identity management more crucial than ever. Unlike traditional on-premises setups with clearly defined perimeters, cloud infrastructures lack fixed boundaries, making it more challenging to secure access. Additionally, employees need to access corporate networks and tools from various devices and locations, further emphasising the importance of managing who can access sensitive information.


Simeon Tassev.

Frameworks like Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Zero Trust address these challenges by implementing stricter controls around identities, particularly those linked to privileged access, which have become prime targets for cyber criminals. If malicious actors gain access to administrative accounts, they can infiltrate systems, move laterally within a network, steal data, or disrupt operations. Effective PAM solutions go beyond technology, incorporating policies and procedures designed to safeguard sensitive identities.

Key challenges in managing privileged access

One of the primary challenges organisations face with PAM is managing over-privileged users. Over time, employees may accumulate access rights beyond what they need for their roles, increasing the risk of misuse, whether intentional or accidental. This issue is compounded in cloud environments where access can be provisioned rapidly, often without stringent oversight.

Another challenge is the need for continuous monitoring and anomaly detection. Many organisations lack the resources or expertise to detect unusual access patterns that could indicate a security breach. For example, if multiple administrators are accessing critical systems simultaneously or during unusual hours, this could be a red flag. Unfortunately, default PAM settings often fall short in identifying such anomalies, leaving organisations vulnerable to sophisticated cyberthreats.

Moreover, compliance and governance requirements add another layer of complexity. Organisations must not only control who has access, but also ensure they can provide detailed audit trails of all privileged activities. This necessity often strains internal IT teams, especially in large enterprises with multiple users and systems.

Time to call in the experts

Partnering with third-party cybersecurity experts has become an essential step in addressing these challenges. The right partner will bring a wealth of experience and advanced strategies to optimise PAM implementations, ensuring that access controls are both effective and adaptable.

In addition, an expert partner can implement anomaly detection systems that use artificial intelligence to monitor for unusual access patterns in real time. By integrating PAM with Security Operations Centre (SOC) or Managed Detection and Response (MDR) systems, organisations can enhance their ability to detect and respond to potential threats promptly.

Third-party experts can add value by conducting regular audits and assessments. These help organisations identify gaps in their current PAM configurations and provide recommendations for remediation. For instance, experts can enforce strict justification requirements for access requests, thereby reducing the risk of over-privileged users.

They can also ensure that PAM strategies align with industry best practices. This includes implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users, not just those with administrative privileges. By ensuring that even standard users undergo stringent authentication processes, organisations can significantly reduce their attack surface.

Practical strategies for optimising IAM

To maximise the effectiveness of IAM, organisations should focus on a few key strategies. First, applying the principle of least privilege is essential. This means granting users only the access they need to perform their job functions and nothing more. Implementing Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) can help achieve this by defining access levels based on job functions rather than individual users.

Second, organisations should consider implementing time-limited access for privileged accounts. This just-in-time approach ensures that administrative privileges are granted only when necessary and are automatically revoked after a set period.

Lastly, conducting regular training and awareness programmes is crucial. Employees need to understand the importance of safeguarding privileged access and the potential consequences of security breaches. By fostering a culture of security awareness, organisations can reduce the risk of insider threats.

Effective management is not optional

In an era where cyberthreats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, effective identity management is a necessity. Organisations must address the challenges of over-privileged users, inadequate oversight, and compliance requirements to protect their critical resources. By leveraging the expertise of third-party cybersecurity specialists, businesses can strengthen their identity and access management strategies, ensuring they are well-equipped to defend against evolving threats. Through continuous monitoring, robust access controls, and proactive policies, organisations can build a resilient cybersecurity framework that safeguards both their data and their reputation.

For more information contact Galix, +27 11 472 7157, [email protected], www.galix.com




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Biometric security key for phishing-resistant MFA
Products & Solutions Access Control & Identity Management
New FIDO-compliant USB, Bluetooth, and NFC BioKeys with biometric login and centralised management for phishing-resistant, passwordless multifactor authentication (MFA) for enterprise users.

Read more...
Winners of the 2025 Southern Africa OSPAs
Editor's Choice
The winners of the 2025 Southern Africa Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) were revealed on Wednesday, 4th June, at Securex South Africa. Winners from all categories (except the Lifetime Achievement) will be featured in the second Global OSPAs set to take place in 2026.

Read more...
Gallagher Security releases OneLink
Gallagher Animal Management Products & Solutions Access Control & Identity Management
Gallagher Security has announced OneLink, a cloud-based solution that makes it faster, easier and more cost-effective to deploy security anywhere in the world, transforming how security can be delivered to remote sites and distributed infrastructure.

Read more...
Deepfakes and digital trust
Editor's Choice
By securing the video right from the specific camera that captured it, there is no need to prove the chain of custody for the video, you can verify the authenticity at every step.

Read more...
A new generational framework
Editor's Choice Training & Education
Beyond Generation X, and Millennials, Dr Chris Blair discusses the seven decades of technological evolution and the generations they defined, from the 1960’s Mainframe Cohort, to the 2020’s AI Navigators.

Read more...
Suprema unveils BioStar Air
Suprema neaMetrics News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Infrastructure
Suprema launches BioStar Air, the first cloud-based access control platform designed to natively support biometric authentication and feature true zero-on-premise architecture. BioStar Air simplifies deployment and scales effortlessly to secure SMBs, multi-branch companies, and mixed-use buildings.

Read more...
Back-up securely and restore in seconds
Betatrac Telematic Solutions Editor's Choice Information Security Infrastructure
Betatrac has a solution that enables companies to back-up up to 8 TB of data onto a device and restore it in 30 seconds in an emergency, called Rapid Access Data Recovery (RADR).

Read more...
Key design considerations for a control room
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance Training & Education
If you are designing or upgrading a control room, or even reviewing or auditing an existing control room, there are a number of design factors that one would need to consider.

Read more...
CCTV control room operator job description
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance Training & Education
Control room operators are still critical components of security operations and will remain so for the foreseeable future, despite the advances of AI, which serves as a vital enhancement to the human operator.

Read more...
A passport to offline backups
SMART Security Solutions Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Infrastructure Smart Home Automation
SMART Security Solutions tested a 6 TB WD My Passport and found it is much more than simply another portable hard drive when considering the free security software the company includes with the device.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.