Best Privileged Access Management Solutions Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 29 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Privileged access isn't just another item on your security checklist—it's often the single weakest point attackers exploit. If you’ve ever had to chase down orphaned admin accounts, scramble to rotate hardcoded credentials, or worry about who really has root access across your systems, you know how critical strong privileged access management (PAM) is.
After years helping teams secure complex infrastructures—across SaaS platforms, APIs, and sprawling hybrid environments—I’ve seen firsthand what separates effective PAM solutions from those that leave gaps. I’ve tested and implemented these tools in live environments, not just labs, and I know which features actually make day-to-day management easier and compliance audits less painful.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the privileged access management solutions that deliver real protection without adding unnecessary complexity, so you can control who has access, when, and how, without slowing your team down.
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Best Privileged Access Management Solutions Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top privileged access management solutions selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for secure password vault | 30-day free trial | From $3.33/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
2 | Best for enterprise-level integration | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for compliance with data regulations | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best for small to medium businesses | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
5 | Best for user-friendly interface | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
6 | Best for seamless third-party integrations | Free trial available | From $35/month | Website | |
7 | Best for cloud-based solutions | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
8 | Best for identity governance | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for managing remote access | Free trial + demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best for scalability across industries | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Docker
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Pulumi
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
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Best Privileged Access Management Solution Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best privileged access management solutions that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Keeper Security is a password management and privileged access management solution designed for businesses and individuals. It focuses on securing passwords and sensitive data, providing features that enhance security and compliance.
Why I picked Keeper Security: Its secure password vault differentiates Keeper Security from other solutions. The platform uses zero-trust and zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring end-to-end encryption for user data. Features like password sharing and secrets management enhance security for your team. Keeper Security is FedRAMP authorized, meeting stringent government standards, making it ideal for high-security environments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include password sharing, secrets management, and secure file sharing. Your team can benefit from passwordless authentication, reducing the risk of breaches. Keeper Security also offers compliance with certifications like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS.
Integrations include Microsoft Azure, Active Directory, LDAP, SSO, SAML, Google Workspace, Okta, Duo Security, Slack, and Splunk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Passwordless authentication
- FedRAMP authorized
- Zero-knowledge architecture
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- May be complex for small teams
BeyondTrust is a privileged access management solution tailored for large enterprises. It focuses on securing and managing access across complex IT environments, providing tools that enhance control and compliance.
Why I picked BeyondTrust: It excels in enterprise-level integration, making it ideal for large organizations with diverse systems. Features like session monitoring and real-time threat analytics help you maintain oversight and security. BeyondTrust's ability to integrate with various enterprise systems ensures smooth operations. The tool offers granular access controls, enhancing security for your team.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include session monitoring, real-time threat analytics, and granular access controls. Your team can use vulnerability management to identify and address potential risks. BeyondTrust also provides detailed audit trails for compliance purposes.
Integrations include Microsoft Active Directory, LDAP, ServiceNow, Splunk, SailPoint, CyberArk, Okta, Duo Security, RSA, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong enterprise-level integration
- Real-time threat analytics
- Detailed audit trails
Cons:
- Complex for small businesses
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
Cyberark is a leading provider of identity security and privileged access management solutions, serving industries like banking, healthcare, and government. It focuses on securing privileged access and enhancing security through features like single sign-on and multi-factor authentication.
Why I picked Cyberark: It excels in compliance with data regulations, making it a top choice for regulated industries. Cyberark's Identity Security Platform offers intelligent privilege controls and secrets management to meet stringent compliance requirements. It provides robust security measures without compromising productivity. The platform's emphasis on compliance ensures your team can meet regulatory standards effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, and secrets management. Your team can benefit from endpoint identity security to protect devices. Cyberark also offers machine identity security to safeguard automated processes.
Integrations include Splunk, ServiceNow, SailPoint, Okta, Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, SAP, Oracle, and IBM.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive industry coverage
- Machine identity security
- Strong compliance support
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- High resource requirements
ManageEngine PAM360 is a privileged access management solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It provides centralized control over IT infrastructure, helping manage and secure privileged accounts effectively.
Why I picked ManageEngine PAM360: Its suitability for small to medium businesses sets it apart. The tool offers comprehensive password management and session monitoring, making it accessible for teams with limited IT resources. It also provides automated compliance reporting to keep your business aligned with regulations. The intuitive dashboard simplifies management, allowing your team to focus on core tasks without getting bogged down in complex processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated compliance reporting, session monitoring, and an intuitive dashboard. Your team can benefit from real-time alerts to identify potential security threats. ManageEngine PAM360 also offers audit trails to track user activities and ensure accountability.
Integrations include Microsoft Active Directory, LDAP, ServiceNow, Jira, Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, Oracle, VMware, and SAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive user interface
- Automated compliance reporting
- Suitable for small businesses
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Basic reporting capabilities
Cakewalk is an identity governance solution designed for IT and InfoSec teams. It focuses on consolidating access and automating workflows to enhance security and compliance.
Why I picked Cakewalk: Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for teams of all sizes. The platform offers role-based access control and automated onboarding, simplifying access management. Cakewalk's streamlined access reviews help your team maintain compliance effortlessly. The efficient setup process ensures you can get started quickly without extensive technical expertise.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include role-based access control, automated onboarding and offboarding, and employee self-service. Your team can benefit from streamlined access reviews to maintain compliance. Cakewalk also provides automated evidence generation for audits.
Integrations include Microsoft Azure, Okta, Google Workspace, AWS, Active Directory, Duo Security, Salesforce, Slack, ServiceNow, and Zoom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Role-based access control
- Automated evidence generation
- Efficient setup process
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Requires initial configuration
Auth0 is an identity management platform aimed at developers and IT teams. It provides authentication and authorization services, helping businesses secure user access and manage identities efficiently.
Why I picked Auth0: It excels in seamless third-party integrations, making it versatile for various applications. Auth0's extensive integration options allow your team to connect with existing systems effortlessly. The platform supports multiple authentication methods, enhancing security without complicating the user experience. Its comprehensive API support ensures flexibility, allowing you to tailor the solution to your specific needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include multiple authentication methods, comprehensive API support, and customizable login screens. Your team can benefit from real-time security monitoring to detect potential threats. Auth0 also provides detailed analytics to track user activity and improve security measures.
Integrations include Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Salesforce, Slack, Twilio, Zendesk, GitHub, Zoom, and Dropbox.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive third-party integrations
- Multiple authentication methods
- Comprehensive API support
Cons:
- Can be resource-intensive
- May have a steep learning curve
One Identity provides a cloud-based privileged access management solution aimed at enterprises looking to secure identities and manage access efficiently. It focuses on simplifying identity governance while ensuring compliance and security.
Why I picked One Identity: Its cloud-based solutions make it adaptable for modern enterprises needing flexible access management. One Identity offers unified identity security, which is crucial for managing identities across diverse environments. The platform provides automated provisioning to streamline user access management. Its cloud capabilities ensure your team can scale operations without compromising security.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include unified identity security, automated provisioning, and detailed audit logs. Your team can benefit from real-time monitoring to detect and mitigate risks. One Identity also offers role-based access control to ensure users have appropriate access levels.
Integrations include Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, SAP, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Oracle, Workday, Okta, and IBM.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective cloud-based identity management
- Automated user provisioning
- Real-time risk monitoring
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- Limited offline capabilities
SailPoint is an identity governance solution tailored for enterprises that need to manage digital identities and secure access. It helps organizations ensure compliance and reduce security risks by providing visibility into who has access to what.
Why I picked SailPoint: Its focus on identity governance sets it apart, providing tools that ensure compliance and security. SailPoint offers features like access certification and policy management to help your team manage identities effectively. The platform's ability to detect and mitigate access risks enhances security for your organization. With SailPoint, you can automate access requests and approvals, streamlining the identity management process.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include access certification, policy management, and automated access requests. Your team can benefit from detailed reporting to monitor compliance. SailPoint also offers role-based access controls to ensure users have the right level of access.
Integrations include Microsoft Azure, AWS, ServiceNow, Workday, SAP, Salesforce, Oracle, Google Workspace, Okta, and Box.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong identity governance capabilities
- Automated access requests and approvals
- Detailed compliance reporting
Cons:
- Complex for small organizations
- Can be resource-intensive
Wallix is a privileged access management solution ideal for organizations with significant remote operations. It focuses on securing remote access and managing privileged accounts efficiently.
Why I picked Wallix: It's great for managing remote access, providing tools that ensure secure connections for remote users. Wallix offers session management and real-time monitoring, which are essential for maintaining security in remote environments. It has features like access control and session recording to enhance oversight. The platform's ease of deployment makes it a practical choice for teams needing quick implementation.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include session management, real-time monitoring, and access control. Your team can benefit from session recording to track activities. Wallix also provides audit capabilities to ensure compliance and security.
Integrations include Microsoft Azure, AWS, VMware, Citrix, IBM, ServiceNow, SAP, Oracle, Splunk, and Palo Alto Networks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective remote access management
- Real-time session monitoring
- Quick deployment process
Cons:
- Limited advanced customization
- Initial learning curve
Broadcom is a privileged access management solution catering to enterprises across various industries. It focuses on providing scalable security solutions to manage and protect privileged accounts effectively.
Why I picked Broadcom: Its scalability across industries makes it versatile for different enterprise environments. Broadcom offers centralized policy management and access controls, ensuring consistent security measures. It provides automated threat detection to identify and respond to potential risks. The platform's flexibility allows it to adapt to your organization's specific needs, making it suitable for diverse operational requirements.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include centralized policy management, automated threat detection, and flexible access controls. Your team can use detailed audit logs to track user activities. Broadcom also offers real-time analytics to monitor security events.
Integrations include Microsoft Active Directory, LDAP, ServiceNow, SAP, Oracle, IBM, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and Splunk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Centralized policy management
- Automated threat detection
- Flexible access controls
Cons:
- Complex initial setup
- Ongoing maintenance needed
Other Privileged Access Management Solutions
- Okta
For identity management in large organizations
- Rippling IT
For role-based access control
- JumpCloud
For comprehensive device management across different operating systems
- Duo
For user-friendly two-factor authentication
- Silverfort
For adaptive multi-factor authentication
- StrongDM
For privileged session management
- PrivX
For cloud-native environments
- Nokia
For large-scale network environments
- Ekran
For insider threat detection
- Arcon
For enterprise-level security
- Workato
For workflow automation
- Idency
For on-premise deployments
- SafeNet Trusted Access
For managing remote access
- IBM Security Verify Privilege
For hybrid cloud integration
- Microsoft Entra Verified ID
For verifying digital identities
- Delinea
For efficient privilege management
- Osirium PAM
For task automation capabilities
- Azure AD (Microsoft Entra ID)
For seamless integration with Microsoft services
- Omada
For robust Identity Governance and Administration
Privileged Access Management Solution Selection Criteria
When selecting the best privileged access management solutions to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like ensuring compliance and managing remote access. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage privileged accounts
- Control access to sensitive data
- Monitor user sessions
- Provide audit logs
- Enforce security policies
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Adaptive authentication
- Session recording capabilities
- Real-time threat detection
- Automated compliance reporting
- Role-based access controls
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Ease of navigation
- Clarity of instructions
- Customization options
- Responsiveness of design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Supportive chatbots
- Regular webinars
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat
- Response time to queries
- Quality of help documentation
- Access to a dedicated support team
- Availability of 24/7 support
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Features included in basic plans
- Flexible pricing options
- Discounts for longer commitments
- Cost-effectiveness for small teams
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Consistency of positive feedback
- Commonly reported issues
- Frequency of updates or improvements
- Satisfaction with customer support
- Overall user satisfaction ratings
How to Choose Privileged Access Management Solution
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | Ensure the solution can grow with your organization. Consider if it can handle increased users and data without performance loss. |
Integrations | Check if it integrates with existing systems like Active Directory, cloud services, and other IT tools your team uses. |
Customizability | Look for options to tailor the solution to fit your specific workflows and security policies. |
Ease of Use | Evaluate if the interface is intuitive for your team, minimizing training time and user errors. |
Budget | Assess if the pricing aligns with your financial constraints, including potential hidden costs for add-ons or upgrades. |
Security Safeguards | Verify the solution offers strong encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with standards like GDPR. |
Support Services | Consider the availability of customer support, including live chat, phone, and email, to assist when issues arise. |
Performance Monitoring | Ensure the tool provides real-time insights into system performance and user activities to quickly address potential issues. |
Trends in Privileged Access Management Solution
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different privileged access management solutions vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- Zero Trust Architecture: More vendors are adopting zero trust models, which assume that threats could be both external and internal. This approach requires continuous verification of users and devices, enhancing security. Solutions like CyberArk have incorporated this into their offerings.
- Behavioral Analytics: Vendors are integrating behavioral analytics to monitor user actions and detect anomalies. This helps in identifying suspicious activities early. For example, Ekran uses behavioral analytics to enhance security monitoring.
- Cloud-native Solutions: There's a shift towards cloud-native architectures, which offer flexibility and scalability. These solutions are designed to work seamlessly in cloud environments, as seen with providers like PrivX.
- Passwordless Authentication: The move towards passwordless authentication methods is gaining traction. This trend reduces the risk of credential theft and improves user experience. Vendors like BeyondTrust are exploring passwordless options in their solutions.
- Unified Endpoint Management: Vendors are focusing on managing all endpoints through a single platform, which simplifies security management. This trend is evident in the best portal software that offer centralized control and monitoring, such as those provided by One Identity.
What Are Privileged Access Management Solutions?
Privileged access management solutions are tools designed to secure and manage privileged accounts within an organization. IT administrators, security professionals, and compliance officers typically use these tools to protect sensitive information and maintain regulatory compliance.
Features like zero trust architecture, behavioral analytics, and passwordless authentication help with securing access, detecting anomalies, and improving user experience. Overall, these tools ensure that only authorized users have access to critical systems, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Features of Privileged Access Management Solutions
When selecting privileged access management solutions, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Zero trust architecture: Requires continuous verification of users and devices, enhancing security by assuming threats could be both external and internal.
- Behavioral analytics: Monitors user actions to detect anomalies, helping identify suspicious activities early on.
- Passwordless authentication: Reduces the risk of credential theft and improves user experience by eliminating the need for passwords.
- Role-based access controls: Ensures users have the appropriate access levels, enhancing security and compliance.
- Automated compliance reporting: Streamlines the process of generating reports to ensure your organization meets regulatory standards.
- Session monitoring: Tracks user sessions in real-time to maintain oversight and detect unauthorized activities.
- Cloud-native architecture: Offers flexibility and scalability, making it ideal for environments that rely on cloud services.
- Unified endpoint management: Provides centralized control and monitoring of all endpoints, simplifying security management.
- Access certification: Regularly reviews and certifies access rights to maintain security and compliance.
- Real-time threat detection: Identifies potential security threats as they occur, allowing for swift response and mitigation.
Benefits of Privileged Access Management Solutions
Implementing privileged access management solutions provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Enhanced security: By using zero trust architecture and behavioral analytics, these tools reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Regulatory compliance: Automated compliance reporting and access certification help ensure your organization meets industry standards and regulations.
- Improved user experience: Passwordless authentication and role-based access controls make it easier for users to access the systems they need without compromising security.
- Operational efficiency: Automated provisioning and session monitoring streamline processes, reducing the workload on IT teams while maintaining oversight.
- Scalability: Cloud-native architectures and unified endpoint management allow your organization to grow without sacrificing security or performance.
- Real-time response: Real-time threat detection enables swift identification and mitigation of potential security threats, minimizing impact on your business.
- Centralized control: Unified management of identities and access across various environments simplifies security management and enhances overall governance.
Costs and Pricing of Privileged Access Management Solutions
Selecting privileged access management solutions requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in privileged access management solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Privileged Access Management Solutions
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic access control, limited user management, and basic reporting. |
Personal Plan | $5-$25 /user /month | Single-user access, password management, and basic security features. |
Business Plan | $25-$50 /user /month | Multi-user support, session monitoring, role-based access, and compliance reporting. |
Enterprise Plan | $50-$100 /user /month | Advanced security analytics, integration with other systems, unlimited users, and dedicated support. |
Privileged Access Management Solution FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about privileged access management solutions:
How does a PAM solution work?
PAM solutions secure privileged account credentials by storing them in a secure vault. Administrators must go through the PAM system to access these credentials, ensuring authentication and logging each access. This process helps protect sensitive accounts from unauthorized use.
What is the difference between ZTNA and PAM?
PAM focuses on securing and managing access to critical systems, while ZTNA enforces strict access controls across entire networks. Both are vital for cybersecurity, but they address different security needs. PAM manages privileged access, whereas ZTNA continuously verifies users’ access across networks.
What are the requirements for privileged access management?
Effective PAM requires multifactor authentication, automated security measures, and removal of endpoint user access. Establishing baselines and monitoring deviations are also crucial for maintaining security. These practices help prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance.
What is the risk of privileged access management?
Neglecting PAM can lead to data breaches, privilege escalation, and insider threats. Attackers may exploit elevated access rights, causing operational and financial damage. Implementing PAM mitigates these risks by securing sensitive accounts and monitoring access.
How does PAM reduce insider threats?
PAM reduces insider threats by limiting access to sensitive accounts and monitoring user activities. It enforces strict controls over who can access what resources, helping prevent misuse of privileges. By recording all access, PAM deters potential malicious actions.
Can PAM solutions integrate with existing security systems?
Yes, PAM solutions often integrate with existing security systems like IAM, SIEM, and other IT tools. This integration enhances overall security by providing a unified approach to managing access and monitoring activities across different platforms.
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