Which PAM Tool is Best?

The PAM market will grow to a staggering $7.7 billion by 2028. But which PAM tool is best? It’s a question that comes up a lot. Everyone wants to know which vendor is the leading privileged access management tool supplier. 

Which PAM Tool Is Best?

You can stare at a list of PAM vendors all day and still not find something that works for you. 

Fortunately, Lumos makes the process easier. It combines elements of PAM with SaaS management and identity governance administration to enhance security and protect your network against threats. Ultimately, our solution lets you implement the principle of least privilege – the idea that users should receive the minimum level of access required to do their job and no more. 

The best PAM solutions make it simple to balance productivity and accessibility. Administrators can adjust privileges on the fly to accommodate new workflows, and then reverse these decisions when no longer required.

What is the Difference Between IAM and PAM?

Industry professionals sometimes use IAM and PAM interchangeably. However, they are not the same. 

Here’s how they differ: 

• Users: IAM (identity and access management) concerns the ability of all users to access elements inside your network. It is a blanket term encompassing stakeholders from interns to CEOs. Meanwhile, PAM concerns itself with the access rights of privileged accounts – those that can make material changes to your IT network and data. These accounts could include all IAM users or a subset. 
• Aim: IAM aims to ensure users can access resources when needed for their workflows. It embodies the principle of least privilege – only providing employees and other stakeholders with the access rights they require to be productive in their roles. PAM goes a step further by reducing the risk associated with privileged accounts, limiting and controlling the activities of those with the authority to make substantive network changes. 
• Features: IAM achieves its goals by implementing standard features, like granting or revoking permissions (at the admin level) and managing user accounts of those who enter or leave the organization. PAM acts through additional channels to enhance security by monitoring sessions and providing so-called “just-in-time” access, granting limited time for system modifications. 

In summary, IAM processes deal with all users connected to the network. By contrast, PAM manages those with the most access (and greatest capacity to cause harm). 

How Much Does PAM Software Cost?

So, how much does a PAM solution cost? Naturally, prices vary significantly across PAM software solutions. 

Some companies offer subscription pricing paid monthly or annually. This option is for businesses with uncertain futures or still figuring out their IT requirements. 

Other vendors offer PAM tools on a perpetual basis. You pay once for the software and it’s yours for life (often with updates). 

Enterprise-level vendors price PAM per user per month. That means the cost scales with your organization, making it more affordable. 

Which tier you slot into and how much you pay overall will depend on various factors. For example, PAM software is liable to cost more if: 

• You want to add more users
• You need automation and session recording tools
• You want to deploy “on-prem” instead of in the cloud

Some vendors quote their prices on their websites. However, some require you to email them first (or try a demo to see if you like their tools). Emailing software developers and asking them for a quote can help you compare costs before deciding which to use. 

Who Are the PAM Suppliers?

Various PAM suppliers are on the market but they can vary significantly. Therefore, it’s critical to look for vendors with the right attributes. 

Experience and reputation are the top characteristics to consider when browsing a list of PAM tools. You need a partner who knows how to protect and secure your network without creating annoying productivity bottlenecks. 

Furthermore, you also want a platform that’s easy to use. Many PAM tool examples have a steep learning curve that gets in the way of adoption.

And lastly, it helps if the PAM provider offers support and training. Getting help with troubleshooting and implementation provides you with more value. 

So, what are you waiting for? Schedule a Lumos Demo today.