The Privileged Access Insider
Insights on Identity & Access Security
Practical PAM and identity security content for IT and security professionals. No vendor fluff — just what actually works in the field.
Issue #1 · Featured
Identity Security Isn’t Just PAM Anymore
The attack surface moved while you were executing. PAM is still the foundation, but identity security now spans IGA, Zero Trust, and machine identity management. Here’s what the new map looks like — and why your role is expanding whether you planned for it or not.
PAM — The Foundation
No audit trail, no accountability
No audit trail, no accountability
IGA — Governance Gap
Favorite lateral movement path for attackers
Favorite lateral movement path for attackers
Zero Trust Architecture
Expensive shelfware with false security
Expensive shelfware with false security
Machine Identity Blind Spot
Persistent credentials, zero oversight
Persistent credentials, zero oversight
45:1 Machine vs Human IDs
Auditors check boxes. Attackers don’t.
Auditors check boxes. Attackers don’t.
Zero Trust
How PAM Fits Into a Zero Trust Architecture (Without the Vendor Spin)
Zero trust is one of the most overloaded terms in security. Here’s where privileged access actually fits — and where vendors stretch the truth.
Strategy
How to Prioritize PAM Maturity on a Limited Budget
Most organizations can’t buy their way to PAM maturity. Here’s how to sequence your program when time and money are both scarce.
IGA
Enterprises Still Aren’t Getting IAM Right
Most enterprises have IAM tools deployed—but deployed isn’t the same as operational. Here’s where governance programs stall.
Career
Breaking Into PAM: What I Wish I’d Known Starting Out
After 25 years in enterprise tech, here’s the honest advice I give to anyone trying to move into identity and access security.
Secret Server
Secret Server Discovery: The Configuration Guide Nobody Writes
Account discovery is one of the most powerful — and most misconfigured — features in Secret Server. Here’s how to actually get it right.
Compliance
PAM for FedRAMP: What Federal Environments Actually Require
Federal PAM requirements are specific — and the gap between what vendors claim and what auditors expect is wider than most people realize.
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