| name | implementing-privileged-access-workstation |
| description | Design and implement Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs) using the tiered administration model, with device hardening, device compliance enforcement via Microsoft Intune or Group Policy, just-in-time (JIT) access provisioning, and integration with PAM platforms like CyberArk or BeyondTrust. Use when hardening admin endpoints, designing a tiered administration model, or securing privileged administrative operations. |
| domain | cybersecurity |
| subdomain | identity-and-access-management |
| tags | ["privileged-access","PAW","zero-trust","device-hardening","CyberArk","BeyondTrust","just-in-time-access"] |
| version | 1.0 |
| author | mahipal |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| nist_csf | ["PR.AA-01","PR.AA-02","PR.AA-05"] |
| mitre_attack | ["T1078","T1190","T1059"] |
Implementing Privileged Access Workstation
Overview
A Privileged Access Workstation (PAW) is a hardened device dedicated to performing sensitive administrative tasks. This skill covers PAW design using the tiered administration model, device compliance enforcement via Microsoft Intune or Group Policy, just-in-time (JIT) access provisioning, and integration with privileged access management (PAM) platforms like CyberArk and BeyondTrust.
When to Use
- When deploying or configuring implementing privileged access workstation 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
- Windows 10/11 Enterprise with Virtualization Based Security (VBS)
- Microsoft Intune or Active Directory Group Policy
- CyberArk Privileged Access Security or BeyondTrust Password Safe (optional)
- Python 3.9+ with
requests, subprocess, json
- Administrative access to target endpoints
Steps
- Audit current privileged access patterns and identify Tier 0/1/2 assets
- Configure device hardening baselines (AppLocker, Credential Guard, Device Guard)
- Enforce compliance policies via Intune or GPO
- Implement just-in-time access with time-limited admin group membership
- Integrate with CyberArk/BeyondTrust for credential vaulting
- Validate PAW configuration against CIS and Microsoft PAW guidance
- Monitor privileged sessions and generate compliance reports
Expected Output
- JSON report listing device compliance status, hardening checks, JIT access windows, and PAM integration verification
- Risk scoring per workstation with remediation recommendations
