Privileged Access Management (PAM) refers to a class of tools that help protect, manage, track, and monitor privileged access to critical assets.

In order to accomplish these objectives, PAM systems usually take passwords from privileged accounts – i.e. admin accounts – and position them in a secure repository (a vault) that isolates the use of privileged accounts to minimize the risk of stealing those passwords. When within the server, system administrators need to view their passwords via the PAM program, at which point they are authenticated and signed in to their accounts. Once a credential is checked back in, it is reset to ensure the managers next time they choose to use the credential have to proceed through the PAM system.

XcellHost's PAM tools and software typically provide the following features:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrators.
An access manager that stores permissions and privileged user information.

• A password vault that stores secured, privileged passwords.

• Session tracking once privileged access is granted.
Dynamic authorization abilities. For example, only granting access for specific periods of time.

• Automated provisioning and deprovisioning to reduce insider threats.

• Audit logging tools that help organizations meet compliance.