What's the Difference Between Password Manager and Privileged Access Management?

Password management and privileged access management (PAM) serve distinct but complimentary roles in cybersecurity. Password management tolls enable users to securely create, store, and manage passwords, ensuring strong authentication practices while remaining cost-effect and user-friendly. However, they are limited in scope, as they do not manage privileged accounts or monitor user activity. In contrast, PAM solutions provide a more comprehensive approach by controlling and monitoring access to critical systems. They incorporate features like credential discovery, automated password rotation, and real-time session monitoring to enhance security and compliance, particularly for regulated industries such as banking and healthcare.

As cyber threats evolve, the future of PAM and password management is set to integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and zero-trust security models to enhance security measures. Industry experts emphasise the growing necessity of PAM for enterprises handling sensitive data, as passowrd managers alone may leave organisations vulnerable to privileged-based attacks. Businesses should consider implementing both password management and PAM solutions to mitigate security risk effectively, ensuring a robust cybersecurity framework that balances usability with strong access controls.