What is PEDM?
Privilege Elevation and Delegation Management (PEDM) is a crucial component of security and identity management in information technology. It pertains to a system where access to resources and services are controlled and managed based on roles assigned to individual users or groups within a network environment. The aim of doing so is to minimize the risk of unauthorized access, increase accountability and enhance operational efficiency by allowing only necessary privileges needed for particular tasks.
Why Privilege Elevation and Delegation Management Exists?
PEDM exists to bolster the security of an IT environment. By effectively managing and controlling user privileges, organizations can limit the number of system users that possess high-level privileges. This significantly reduces the risk of security incidents, including breaches and unauthorized access, by ensuring that potential attack vectors are minimized. Also, PEDM promotes principle of least privilege (PoLP), a fundamental security concept that stipulates users obtain only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their tasks.
Who Needs Privilege Elevation and Delegation Management?
Organizations with complex IT environments can greatly benefit from PEDM. These include enterprises with multiple user roles, those handling sensitive data like financial institutions, healthcare providers and government entities, or companies that use infrastructures such as the Cloud and Software as a Service platforms (SaaS). It is also a pragmatic requirement for IT departments to maintain integrity and ensure they meet regulatory compliance requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
How Privilege Elevation and Delegation Management is Used?
PEDM can be used in various ways depending on the organization's unique needs and the kinds of information systems in place. This can range from setting user privileges, managing group policies, recording and monitoring user activities, to conducting regular audits and generating reports. In the context of cloud infrastructure and SaaS platforms, PEDM becomes even more critical as resources are often shared across different users and entities. This implies the need for more robust access control mechanisms to prevent any unauthorized access or use of services.
Frequency of Use in Privilege Elevation and Delegation Management
Due to the ever-increasing threats to cybersecurity, the practice of PEDM is now a standard part of best-practice operations for many organizations, regardless of their size or sector. As more businesses migrate to Cloud and SaaS solutions, the need for effective privilege management solutions continues to grow, making PEDM a common and essential aspect of IT operations and cybersecurity initiatives alike.
