The current state of cybersecurity: why privileges are the weakest link
In 2025, most successful attacks share one common element: the exploitation of privileges. It doesn’t matter whether the attack begins with phishing, malware, brute force, or lateral movement; at some point, the attacker needs to elevate permissions to take control of the environment.
Yet more than 90% of companies — including SMBs, corporations, and MSPs — still operate with permanent admin accounts, reused passwords, and access that no one reviews.
Privileged Access Management (PAM) exists to solve this problem: control, restrict, and automate the use of privileges so that no attacker can escalate permissions, even if they gain initial access to the network.
What PAM is and why it is critical in 2025
PAM (Privileged Access Management) is a set of tools and policies aimed at managing and protecting privileged accounts within an organization. Its purpose is to ensure that:
- no one has more privileges than necessary,
- privileges only exist when they are strictly needed,
- all privileged actions are recorded,
- elevated access is granted and removed automatically,
- lateral movement is blocked.
PAM is one of the most effective technologies to prevent ransomware, insider threats, data leaks, and identity takeover.
Why PAM is the missing layer in 90% of companies
Although the industry talks a lot about antivirus, firewalls, and EDR/XDR, most breaches do not occur due to advanced malware but due to poor privilege management.
The most common problems that reveal the absence of PAM include:
- Admin accounts active 24/7.
- Users installing software without control.
- Technicians sharing credentials.
- Permissions accumulated over years with no review.
- Easy lateral movement for attackers.
- Lack of logs for critical actions.
PAM solves all of this centrally and automatically.
How a modern PAM system really works
An effective PAM doesn’t just manage privileges — it transforms how privileges are granted. Modern technologies include:
1. Just-in-Time (JIT) privilege elevation
Users work without admin rights.
When they need to install or modify something:
- they request access,
- the system validates the request,
- privileges activate for minutes,
- then automatically disappear.
No permanent admin accounts remain on the system.
2. Application control with intelligent approval
PAM evaluates an application to determine whether it is safe, malicious, or unknown.
Safe apps are approved.
Suspicious ones are blocked or require review.
This stops malware disguised as installers.
3. Full audit of privileged actions
Every privileged action is recorded:
- which user,
- when,
- what app launched,
- what changes were made.
This enables compliance and rapid investigation of anomalies.
4. Lateral movement restriction
Modern PAM blocks permanent admin accounts, preventing attackers from moving freely between devices.
5. Integration with XDR, identity, and automation
Combining PAM + XDR allows correlation of:
- privileges,
- identity,
- behavior,
- network activity,
- endpoints.
This creates a level of protection impossible to achieve with isolated tools.
Why MSPs depend more on PAM every year
For MSPs, privilege management isn’t optional — it’s critical to:
- reduce operational risk,
- protect multiple clients in different environments,
- minimize help desk tickets,
- meet compliance demands,
- automate approvals,
- prevent technicians from having permanent privileges,
- document activity for audits.
PAM significantly reduces:
- attack surface,
- human error,
- operational costs.
And increases scalability — essential for MSPs managing hundreds or thousands of endpoints.
When a company needs PAM (spoiler: almost always)
If any of the following is happening, PAM is needed immediately:
- Users with admin rights.
- Uncontrolled software installation.
- Shared IT credentials.
- Lack of visibility into privileged actions.
- Technicians accessing multiple clients with high privileges.
- Recurring malware incidents.
- Auditors requesting traceability.
- Remote teams or BYOD.
- Zero Trust implementation.
Today the question is not if, but when.
The most common attacks that PAM stops
PAM natively blocks attacks based on privilege abuse, including:
- ransomware requiring elevated permissions,
- trojans masquerading as installers,
- lateral movement after phishing,
- unauthorized access by technicians or former employees,
- exploitation of stored credentials,
- abuse of legitimate tools (LOLBins),
- silent privilege escalation.
PAM is literally a shield against the most common attack types of 2025.
How to explain PAM to clients in simple terms
Clients may not understand technical terminology. A simple explanation is:
“PAM is like locking the room where you keep your most valuable items and only opening it for a few minutes when someone truly needs to enter.”
This creates immediate clarity.
PAM and Zero Trust: a perfect match
Zero Trust requires:
- no permanent access,
- validation for every action,
- full logging,
- temporary, controlled privileges.
PAM is the technical foundation that makes Zero Trust practical.
Q&A about Privileged Access Management (PAM)
Does PAM replace antivirus or EDR?
No. PAM complements existing layers by controlling privilege use — something no antivirus can handle.
Can PAM stop ransomware?
Yes. Ransomware needs elevated privileges to encrypt files or move laterally. PAM blocks this escalation.
Do users complain about losing admin rights?
No. A good PAM automates access approval, reducing delays and tickets.
Does the MSP also use PAM?
Yes, and they absolutely should. Technicians are frequent targets; PAM limits the impact of stolen credentials.
Is PAM hard to implement?
Modern PAM can be deployed in hours or days, even in environments with hundreds of endpoints.
Can I combine PAM with XDR?
It’s the recommended practice. XDR detects behavior, PAM controls permissions. Together they create the highest level of protection.
