PIM vs. PAM: What’s The Difference?

In cybersecurity, PIM (Privileged Identity Management) and PAM (Privileged Access Management) are often confused. While both contribute to organisational security, they serve distinct functions. 

This blog clarifies the differences between PIM and PAM, exploring their roles, implementations, and importance in modern cybersecurity frameworks. By understanding these concepts, organisations can better protect their digital assets and processes, enhancing their overall security posture in the complex digital landscape. 

What is Privileged Identity Management (PIM)?

PIM stands for "Privileged Identity Management." It keeps track of who has special access to key parts of an organisation's systems. It's kind of like a guest list for a special place. 

PIM sets, monitors and revokes enhanced permissions in an organisation's digital environment. These privileged accounts can modify system settings, allow or revoke user access and make major IT infrastructure modifications.

PIM's main goal is to improve security by adopting the concept of least privilege, which limits users to what they need to do their jobs. This reduces the chance of unauthorised access to critical systems and data.

Also Read: What Is Privileged Identity Management (PIM)?

What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?

PAM, which stands for "Privileged Access Management," looks at how people use special access once they have it. If PIM is the guest list, then PAM is the security guard at the door and the cameras inside. It keeps an eye on and controls how people with special access use important company resources. 

A lot of the time, PAM tools store and protect passwords, check to see if users are allowed to access certain resources and keep thorough logs of what users do when they're logged in.

Also Read: What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?

Privileged Identity Management Vs Privileged Access Management – Key Differences

Let’s understand PIM vs PAM in depth:

Focus and Scope

• PIM: PIM handles and centralises privileged identity data, ensuring consistency across all systems. Its main goal is to manage the lifecycle of privileged identities, including provisioning, modifying and revoking access rights.
• PAM: PAM controls who has access to private data and processes that are important to the business. It focuses on managing and controlling entry to lower the risk of breaches or use by people who aren't supposed to be there.

Timing

• PIM: PIM is often more about long-term access rights. It sets the rules for who should be able to do what for each role or set of attributes.
• PAM: The main thing that PAM does is control entry in real-time. It's about controlling access to a resource when someone tries to use it, such as giving limited access when needed.

Contextual Access Control

• PIM: Provides relevant access rights to different users based on their roles and responsibilities, ensuring appropriate privileges across all systems.
• PAM: PAM controls access based on things like user jobs and how sensitive the data is, making sure that the right levels of access are given at the right time.

Risk Mitigation and Security Approach

• PIM: When it comes to security, PIM takes a preventative stance. By being very careful about who gets privileged access in the first place, it hopes to lower the risk of insider threats of privileges.
• PAM: Both a preventative and a detective method are used by PAM. It stops people from getting in without permission and also watches and records activity to find any strange behaviour.

User Productivity

• PIM: Streamlines processes for managing privileged identities, reduces manual errors and ensures that access rights are handled consistently across teams and platforms.
• PAM: PAM improves security without having a big effect on productivity by letting users access systems safely and being watched while still letting them do their jobs well.

Compliance and Auditing Support

• PIM: Aids compliance by ensuring that privileged identity data is accurate and consistent, which is crucial for adhering to various regulations and standards. 
• PAM: PAM helps organisations keep track of access actions and meet legal requirements by providing strong tracking and compliance reporting for restricted access.

How PIM and PAM Work Together

Even though we've talked about the differences between PIM and PAM, it's important to remember that they're not opposite ideas. In fact, they work best when used together as part of a bigger plan for defence.

PIM sets the stage by deciding who should have special access and how much they should be able to do. Then, PAM takes over to control how that access is used every day. They work together to make a strong system for controlling special access that protects both the "who" and "how" of the system.

PIM might decide, for instance, that all IT managers should be able to use certain management tools. Then, PAM would control how those IT managers log in to use those tools, possibly making them use two-factor authentication and keeping track of what they do so they can look back on it later.

The Importance of PIM and PAM in Cybersecurity

Here's why they're so important:

• Lowering Risk: Companies can cut down on the risk of data breaches and system compromises by carefully monitoring who has special access (PIM) and how that access is used (PAM).
• Compliance: There are strict rules in many fields about how to keep confidential data safe. PIM and PAM help businesses meet these safety standards by giving them full control over and tracking of restricted access.
• Operational Efficiency: The main goal is security, but good PIM and PAM tools also help businesses run more smoothly. They can make it easier to give and take away entry, which will save time and money on routine tasks.
• Stopping Insider Risks: Not all threats to a company's security come from outside. By carefully controlling and tracking restricted access, PIM and PAM help find and stop insider threats.

Choosing Between PIM and PAM

Sometimes, companies don't have to pick between PIM and PAM when it comes to security management strategies. Usually, the best security results will come from a complete method that includes parts of both.

However, if resources are limited and a choice must be made, here are some factors to consider:

1. Start with PIM if your main goal is to control who can access protected resources in the first place.
2. Pay attention to PAM if you care more about how special access is being used and want to be able to closely watch and manage things.
3. If you're in a highly regulated industry with strict audit requirements, PAM might be more immediately beneficial due to its strong logging and monitoring capabilities.
4. In times of fast growth or organisational change, PIM may be a better way to keep up with your employees' changing access needs.

Ideally, as your organisation grows and matures, you would implement both PIM and PAM strategies, possibly moving towards a Dynamic Access Management approach for the most sensitive systems and data.

Conclusion

Managing an organisation's IT protection involves understanding what is PIM and PAM. Privileged Identity Management (PIM) controls who has access to sensitive information and Privileged Access Management (PAM) controls what is done with that access.

Every part of a complete security plan, including PIM and PAM, is very important. As a team effort, they make sure that special access is given correctly, used properly and successfully watched.

At InstaSafe, we've made security simple and powerful. Our Multi-Factor Authentication doesn't just protect your accounts—it gives you peace of mind. With a quick password and a tap on your phone, you're in. There are no complicated steps, just robust security. We keep the bad guys out so you can focus on what matters. Try InstaSafe today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is PIM a part of PAM?

PIM (Privileged Identity Management) is often considered a component or subset of PAM (Privileged Access Management). While PAM focuses on securing and managing privileged access broadly, PIM specifically deals with managing the lifecycle and rights of privileged identities.

2. What is the difference between PIM and RBAC?

PIM (Privileged Identity Management) focuses on managing privileged user accounts and their access rights, while RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) restricts system access based on user roles. PIM often incorporates RBAC principles but is specifically tailored for high-privilege accounts.

3. How is IAM Different from PIM and PAM?

IAM is a broader framework that manages all user identities and access permissions across an organisation. PIM focuses specifically on privileged identities, while PAM deals with controlling and monitoring privileged access. Both PIM and PAM can be considered specialised subsets of IAM, focusing on high-risk, high-privilege scenarios.

4. What is the Difference Between Active Directory and PAM?

Active Directory manages user identities and permissions within a network, while PAM (Privileged Access Management) focuses on securing and monitoring privileged access.

5. What is the difference between PIM vs PAM vs PUM?

PAM secures and controls privileged account access. PIM manages the lifecycle of privileged identities. PUM oversees privileged user management overall. PAM is the broadest concept, PIM focuses on identity lifecycle and PUM often overlaps with both, emphasising user management aspects of privileged access.