IAM vs. PAM: What's The Difference?

IAM and PAM are security tools for managing access to digital resources. IAM controls regular user access, while PAM focuses on high-level, privileged accounts. 

The key difference is that IAM handles everyday security for all users, whereas PAM provides extra protection for critical systems and sensitive data. Together, they create a comprehensive security system for organisations. In this blog, we're going to delve deeper into the differences between IAM vs PAM, what they are and why they matter.

What is IAM (Identity Access Management)?

IAM, which is Identity and Access Management, is a system that controls who can access what in an organisation's digital resources. It manages user identities, authenticates users, and grants or restricts access to various systems, applications and data. 

IAM ensures that the right people have appropriate access to the right resources at the right times, enhancing security and efficiency in both on-premises and cloud environments.

Here's What IAM Does:

1. It checks who you are (like when you log in with a username and password).
2. It decides what you're allowed to do once you're logged in.
3. It keeps track of what you do while you're using the system.

IAM is for everyone in an organisation, from the new intern to the CEO. It makes sure that each person can access what they need for their job, but not stuff they shouldn't see.

What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?

Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a defence approach that keeps an eye on people who have access to important systems. It takes care of accounts that have extra rights, like manager accounts. PAM helps prevent unauthorised use of powerful credentials, reduces security risks and ensures compliance with regulations.

PAM is actually a part of IAM, but it focuses on the most important and sensitive accounts in a system. These are called "privileged accounts," and they usually belong to:

1. IT administrators who can change how the whole system works
2. Accounts that different computer programs use to talk to each other
3. Special accounts that can access really sensitive information

What Does PAM Do?:

1. It keeps the passwords for these special accounts extra safe.
2. It watches very closely what people do when they use these accounts.
3. It can quickly shut off access if something suspicious happens.

Identity Access Management vs Privileged Access Management

Now that we know what these are, let's understand the difference between PAM and IAM. It's like comparing a regular security guard (IAM) to a bodyguard for a president (PAM).

Why Both IAM and PAM are Important

You might be wondering, "If PAM is stricter, why not just use that for everything?" – Well, it's kind of like having both a lock on your front door and a safe inside your house. The front door lock (IAM) keeps most people out and lets the right people in easily. The safe (PAM) adds extra protection for your more valuable resources.

Here's Why We Need Both:

1. IAM makes life easier for everyone. It helps people quickly get to the tools they need without bothering the IT department all the time.
2. PAM adds extra security for the most critical things. It's like a last line of defence against hackers.
3. Together, they create a complete security system. IAM handles the everyday security, while PAM takes care of the high-risk areas.
4. They help companies follow rules and laws about keeping information safe. Many industries have strict rules about protecting data, and using both IAM and PAM helps meet those requirements.

Real-World Examples of IAM vs PAM

Let's look at some examples to make this clearer:

1. Regular employee (IAM): Sally works in the marketing department. When she logs into her computer, IAM checks that it's really her. Then, it lets her access her email, the company's social media accounts and the files for the Ad campaign she's working on. 

But she can't see the company's financial records or change how the computer network works.

2. IT administrator (PAM): John is an IT admin. He needs to update the company's main database. To do this, he uses a special account that PAM protects. PAM checks that it's really John, maybe by sending a code to his phone. It then lets him into the database but watches everything he does. 

If John started doing something unusual, like trying to download all the customer data, PAM would notice and could stop him immediately.

Choosing Between IAM and PAM

So, should a company use IAM or PAM? The answer is usually both! But if a company has to start with one, here's how they might decide:

Start with IAM if:

• The company has lots of employees who need different levels of access.
• They want to make it easier for people to do their jobs without calling IT all the time.
• They're more worried about everyday security for all users.

Start with PAM if:

• They have a small number of very powerful user accounts.
• They're really worried about hackers getting into their most important systems.
• They need to follow strict rules about protecting sensitive data.

Conclusion

It's very important that we keep our personal information safe. Two important tools that help with this are IAM and PAM. IAM is like an attentive guard who makes sure everyone gets where they need to go. PAM keeps the most important parts of the system safe, like a very strict bodyguard.

At InstaSafe, we believe in a world where security doesn't slow you down. That's why our Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution provides seamless, secure access to your critical applications, no matter where your users are.

Our ZTNA solution ensures your sensitive data stays protected without compromising the flexibility and efficiency your business needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

1. What is the difference between PAM and IAM, and IGA?

Identity and Access Management is a system that controls who can access what digital resources and how they can get there. PAM (Privileged Access Management) is all about keeping high-risk, private accounts safe and under control. Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) is in charge of the whole identity process. 

2. What does PAM mean in IAM?

PAM is not an abbreviation for anything within IAM. PAM is separate from IAM, but it works with IAM by adding extra security measures for accounts and users with special access rights. 

3. Is PAM a subset of IAM?

Yes, PAM can be considered a subset of IAM, as it addresses a specific aspect of identity and access management related to privileged accounts and users.