implementing-privileged-access-management-with-cyberark

name	implementing-privileged-access-management-with-cyberark
description	Deploy CyberArk Privileged Access Management to discover, vault, rotate, and monitor privileged credentials across enterprise infrastructure, covering vault architecture, session isolation, credential rotation policies, and integration with NIST 800-53 access control requirements. Use when standing up CyberArk PAM, vaulting privileged credentials, or designing credential rotation policies.
domain	cybersecurity
subdomain	identity-access-management
tags	["iam","identity","access-control","privileged-access","pam","cyberark"]
version	1.0
author	mahipal
license	Apache-2.0
nist_csf	["PR.AA-01","PR.AA-02","PR.AA-05","PR.AA-06"]
mitre_attack	["T1078","T1110","T1556","T1098","T1003"]
mitre_f3	{"version":"1.1","tactics":["initial-access","positioning","resource-development"],"techniques":[{"id":"T1586","name":"Compromise Accounts","tactic":"resource-development","source":"attack"},{"id":"T1110","name":"Brute Force","tactic":"initial-access","source":"attack"},{"id":"F1033","name":"Insider Access Abuse","tactic":"initial-access","source":"f3"},{"id":"F1005.002","name":"Account Manipulation: Add Authorized User","tactic":"positioning","source":"f3"},{"id":"F1006.002","name":"Account Takeover: Exposed Login Credential","tactic":"initial-access","source":"f3"}]}

Implementing Privileged Access Management with CyberArk

Overview

Deploy CyberArk Privileged Access Management to discover, vault, rotate, and monitor privileged credentials across enterprise infrastructure. This skill covers vault architecture, session isolation, credential rotation policies, and integration with NIST 800-53 access control requirements.

When to Use

• When deploying or configuring implementing privileged access management with cyberark capabilities in your environment
• When establishing security controls aligned to compliance requirements
• When building or improving security architecture for this domain
• When conducting security assessments that require this implementation

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with identity access management concepts and tools
• Access to a test or lab environment for safe execution
• Python 3.8+ with required dependencies installed
• Appropriate authorization for any testing activities

Objectives

• Design CyberArk vault architecture with high availability
• Implement automated privileged credential discovery and onboarding
• Configure credential rotation policies for different account types
• Deploy Privileged Session Manager (PSM) for session isolation and recording
• Integrate CyberArk with SIEM for privileged access monitoring
• Implement just-in-time (JIT) privileged access workflows

Key Concepts

CyberArk Architecture Components

1. Digital Vault: Encrypted credential storage with FIPS 140-2 validated encryption
2. Central Policy Manager (CPM): Automated password rotation and verification
3. Privileged Session Manager (PSM): Session isolation, recording, and keystroke logging
4. Password Vault Web Access (PVWA): Web interface for credential management
5. Privileged Threat Analytics (PTA): Behavioral analytics for privileged accounts
6. Conjur Secrets Manager: Application identity and secrets management

Vault Security Model

• Master Policy: Global security settings (dual control, exclusive access, one-time passwords)
• Safes: Logical containers for credentials with granular permissions
• Platforms: Configuration profiles defining rotation, verification, and reconciliation
• Account Groups: Link accounts sharing rotation dependencies