Traditional PAM vs Cloud CPAM for a cloud first world
Oct 4, 2024
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Art Poghosyan, CEO and co-founder of Britive, shares his extensive expertise in identity and access management. He discusses the significant shifts from traditional Privileged Access Management (PAM) to cloud-native solutions. Art emphasizes that 'Identity is the new perimeter,' detailing the critical importance of Just-in-Time access. He also explores the complexities of cloud infrastructure entitlements, the evolving role of non-human identities, and the necessity for modern organizations to adapt their security strategies to the cloud era.
Traditional Privileged Access Management struggles to adapt in cloud environments, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of access controls.
Just-In-Time access enhances security in cloud settings by providing temporary permissions, minimizing risk, and streamlining operational workflows.
Deep dives
Understanding Privilege in Cloud vs. On-Premise
The definition of privilege varies significantly between cloud and on-premise environments. In traditional systems, privilege often equates to specific admin logins designed for particular roles, whereas in cloud settings, privilege is more about the entitlements necessary to perform tasks. For instance, a cloud user's privilege might include the necessary permissions to create an S3 bucket without a distinct admin role. This shift highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of access controls within complex cloud architectures.
The Complexity of Cloud Privileged Access Management
Cloud Privileged Access Management (CPAM) expands upon traditional privileged access frameworks, necessitating a broader range of tools and technologies. Unlike traditional environments where admins generally manage specific systems, cloud architectures involve a diverse set of users across multiple teams, all interacting with various services. This complexity is compounded by services like containers and continuous integration pipelines, which require dynamic access management to function efficiently. Therefore, organizations must adapt their privileged access strategies to meet these evolving demands.
The Role of Just-In-Time Access
Just-In-Time (JIT) access is increasingly vital for managing permissions effectively in cloud environments, addressing the need for timely and appropriate access without unnecessary risk. This approach allows for temporary access to sensitive resources, ensuring that users only retain privileges for as long as necessary, which enhances security and complies with audit requirements. For example, an organization may allow access to a specific application for the duration of a sprint, automatically revoking permissions afterward. This dynamic access strategy not only minimizes security exposure but also streamlines workflows for teams.
Integrating Identity Management into Zero Trust Strategies
Incorporating cloud privileged access management aligns seamlessly with a Zero Trust security framework, where verification of identity and access is paramount. A Zero Trust approach emphasizes continuous verification, helping to ensure that the permissions granted to users align with their current roles and tasks. This ongoing monitoring not only assists in compliance auditing but also enhances overall security by reducing potential exposure from either insiders or compromised accounts. By effectively managing identity within this framework, organizations can fortify their security posture while enabling agile access for legitimate users.
In this episode of the Cloud Security Podcast, Ashish sat down with Art Poghosyan, CEO and co-founder of Britive, to explore the changing world of identity and access management (IAM) in the cloud era. With over two decades of experience in the identity space, Art breaks down the challenges of traditional Privileged Access Management (PAM) and how cloud-native environments require a rethinking of security strategies.
From understanding the complexities of cloud infrastructure entitlements to unpacking the differences between on-premise and cloud-based PAM, Art explains why "Identity is the new perimeter" and how modern organizations must adapt. They dive deep into the importance of Just-in-Time (JIT) access, non-human identities, and the critical role identity plays as the first and last line of defense in cloud security.