IAM vs PAM: How are they different?

New remote and hybrid working styles have companies thinking deeply about the devices employees use to access company infrastructure. And many are looking into options for privileged access management (PAM) and identity access management (IAM). Both are common methods for maintaining high levels of security while enabling access to corporate applications, regardless of location and device.

However, these terms are often used as though they’re interchangeable when in fact there are some key differences. IAM is used to identify and authorize users across the entire organization, while PAM serves as a subset of IAM focused on privileged users — those who need permission to access more sensitive data.

Read on to learn about the key differences between IAM and PAM, and to see which is best when it comes securing access to sensitive information at your organization.

This new working style has encouraged companies to think deeply about the devices employees use to access company infrastructure. Privileged access management (PAM) and identity access management (IAM) are common ways of maintaining high levels of security while enabling access regardless of location and device.

However, these terms are often used as though they are interchangeable. It’s important for business leaders to understand these approaches and the roles different technologies play in securing access to private and sensitive information.

IAM: What is Identity Access Management?

IAM refers to the process of identifying, authenticating, and authorizing user profiles using unique digital identities. The importance of this process has been highlighted in the 61 percent of recent data breaches that involved using credentials of some type. IAM solutions provide enterprises with a combination of features that are compatible with a zero trust approach to cybersecurity, which requires users to verify their identity each time they request access to a server, application, service, or any other company information.

IAM solutions can be deployed on-premises and via the cloud.