Privileged Access Management has become critical infrastructure for organizations serious about security. Poor privilege management leads to breaches, compliance failures, and massive cleanup costs that nobody wants to deal with. When you’re evaluating PAM solutions, it helps to focus on features that solve real problems rather than getting distracted by flashy marketing demos.
This time, we’re breaking down the specific features that separate effective PAM solutions from expensive shelfware.
1. Just-in-Time Privilege Elevation
Traditional admin rights work on a permanent basis where users either have elevated access all the time or they don’t. Modern PAM changes this by providing temporary privilege elevation when users need it, then automatically removing access when the task is complete.
The best solutions offer multiple elevation modes to match different workflows. Per-application elevation works well for occasional admin tasks like installing software or changing settings. Time-limited admin sessions suit developers and power users who need broader access for specific periods but don’t need permanent admin rights.
Smart implementations intercept privilege requests at the system level, elevating only the specific application requiring admin rights rather than the entire user session. This approach keeps your attack surface minimal while users stay productive.
2. Multiple Approval Workflows
Different situations call for different approval mechanisms. Manual approval workflows work well for sensitive applications or unknown software where human judgment is needed. Administrators can review these requests via web portal, mobile app, or through API integration with existing ticketing systems.
Automated pre-approval eliminates friction for routine software that’s already been vetted. These rules can be based on file location, vendor certificates, or checksums for specific applications. Machine learning capabilities automatically approve applications that have been manually approved multiple times, while AI analysis can approve popular applications from reputable vendors based on configurable risk thresholds.
3. Offline Functionality
Network connectivity isn’t guaranteed, especially for remote workers or field technicians. Your PAM solution needs to function reliably whether endpoints are online or offline.
Good offline capabilities include cached policy enforcement and audit logging that syncs when connectivity returns. For situations requiring manual approval while offline, PIN code systems let administrators provide temporary elevation codes via phone or other communication channels. Each PIN code should be unique, time-limited, and valid for only a single elevation request to maintain security while keeping people productive.
4. Detailed Audit Trails and Reporting
Visibility into privileged activity isn’t optional for security and compliance. Your PAM solution should log every elevation event with detailed metadata including user, application, timestamp, and outcome.
Comprehensive inventory tracking captures all installed software, hardware configurations, and group memberships across managed endpoints. This data supports compliance reporting and helps you spot security risks before they become problems.
The best solutions provide schedulable reports that arrive in your inbox automatically, API access for feeding data into SIEM tools, and configurable retention periods so you can meet whatever compliance requirements apply to your industry.
5. Real-Time Malware Protection
Privileged access combined with malware creates devastating attack scenarios. Pre-elevation malware scanning helps prevent malicious software from gaining elevated rights in the first place.
Real-time reputation checking against multiple antivirus engines ensures only reputable files receive elevation privileges. Suspicious or malicious files get blocked entirely or quarantined for security team review. This protection should work alongside your existing endpoint security tools rather than creating conflicts or performance issues.
6. Granular Policy Controls
Organizations have diverse user groups with different access requirements, so effective PAM solutions need granular policy controls to match these varying needs. Sub-setting architecture allows different policies for different user groups or departments, recognizing that developers might need broader elevation capabilities than accounting staff, while executive assistants might require specific application access that others don’t need.
Asset segmentation capabilities help you delegate approval responsibilities to the right teams while maintaining centralized oversight and reporting across the organization.
7. Integration Capabilities
You need native integrations that work with your existing infrastructure rather than forcing you to rebuild workflows around new tools. This includes Active Directory and Azure AD for user management, SIEM tools for security monitoring, and ticketing systems for approval workflows.
API access becomes crucial for custom integrations and automated processes that fit your specific environment. SCIM support makes user lifecycle management much simpler by automatically syncing with your identity providers.
Integration with collaboration tools like Teams and Slack brings approvals into the tools your administrators already use daily, eliminating the need to constantly monitor yet another portal.
8. Anti-Tampering Protection
Once deployed, PAM solutions become high-value targets for attackers who want to disable security controls. You need built-in anti-tampering features that prevent unauthorized modification or removal of the PAM agent.
Users shouldn’t be able to simply uninstall the solution using the elevated rights it provides. Proper uninstallation requires administrative PIN codes and creates detailed audit logs showing exactly what happened and who authorized it. Device owner restrictions and compliance-based locking add extra layers by limiting PAM usage to authorized users and compliant devices only.
9. Break Glass Emergency Access
Emergency situations don’t wait for normal approval processes, especially when system failures or outages prevent access to standard authentication methods. Break glass functionality provides emergency administrative access during these critical moments, generating temporary local administrator accounts that are time-limited and don’t depend on network connectivity or domain authentication.
All break glass usage should be heavily logged and monitored. This capability becomes particularly valuable when domain-joined systems get disconnected or directory services become unavailable.
10. User-Friendly Experience
Security tools that frustrate users inevitably get bypassed or removed, which is why the most effective PAM solutions feel intuitive and blend into normal workflows. Elevation requests work best when they integrate naturally with standard operating system behaviors like right-click context menus and familiar prompts, reducing the training overhead that creates user resistance.
Mobile approval capabilities also make a huge difference by letting administrators process requests quickly from anywhere, rather than forcing them to stay glued to their desks.
A Solution That Delivers
Admin By Request provides all these capabilities in a single, integrated solution. From just-in-time elevation and real-time malware protection to offline functionality and granular policy controls, our Zero Trust Platform delivers comprehensive privilege management without the complexity that typically comes with enterprise security tools.
You can test it today by downloading our Free Plan, which gives you complete access to all features for up to 25 endpoints with no time limits or hidden restrictions. Alternatively, book a demo to see how Admin By Request can work for your needs.
