implementing-privileged-access-workstation

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

1. Audit current privileged access patterns and identify Tier 0/1/2 assets
2. Configure device hardening baselines (AppLocker, Credential Guard, Device Guard)
3. Enforce compliance policies via Intune or GPO
4. Implement just-in-time access with time-limited admin group membership
5. Integrate with CyberArk/BeyondTrust for credential vaulting
6. Validate PAW configuration against CIS and Microsoft PAW guidance
7. 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