1. What is Privileged Access Management (PAM) in CyberArk?
Ans:
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is the practice of controlling, monitoring, and securing access to critical accounts and systems within an organization. It reduces the risk of unauthorized access, ensures accountability, and helps meet regulatory compliance requirements. PAM involves storing credentials securely in vaults, tracking privileged sessions, and enforcing strict access policies, thereby protecting sensitive resources from misuse.
2. How do Password Vaulting and Session Monitoring differ?
Ans:
Password Vaulting securely stores privileged credentials in the CyberArk Vault and automates their periodic rotation. Session Monitoring, in contrast, observes and records the real-time activities of users with privileged access for auditing and compliance purposes. While vaulting protects the credentials themselves, monitoring ensures responsible usage and detects suspicious behavior. Both work together to secure and control privileged access effectively.
3. What is the purpose of the CyberArk Vault?
Ans:
The CyberArk Vault is an encrypted repository designed to safeguard privileged credentials, secrets, and SSH keys. Access is restricted to authorized users and systems. It supports automated password rotation, generates audit logs, and integrates with enterprise applications. By centralizing credential storage, the Vault ensures operational security, compliance, and reliable privileged access management.
4. How are privileged accounts different from regular accounts?
Ans:
Privileged accounts have elevated permissions, allowing users to perform administrative tasks, configure systems, or access sensitive data. Regular accounts have standard access without the ability to make critical changes. Because of their high-level access, privileged accounts require stronger controls, monitoring, and automated password management to prevent misuse or compromise. Proper management of these accounts is vital for security and compliance.
5. What are CPM and PVWA, and how do they function?
Ans:
The Central Policy Manager (CPM) automates password management, rotation, and policy enforcement for privileged accounts. Password Vault Web Access (PVWA) provides a secure web interface for users and administrators to request, manage, and access credentials. Together, CPM and PVWA streamline privileged access management, ensuring automated password rotation, consistent policy enforcement, and proper monitoring of sensitive accounts.
6. What is a CyberArk trigger, and what is its purpose?
Ans:
A CyberArk trigger is an automated mechanism that executes predefined actions in response to events, such as password updates, access requests, or session initiation. Triggers help enforce security policies, send notifications, and run scripts automatically, reducing manual intervention. They ensure consistency in privileged account management and minimize human error, strengthening overall security practices.
7. How do Safes differ from a Vault in CyberArk?
Ans:
While the Vault is the encrypted storage system for all privileged credentials, a Safe is a logical container within the Vault that groups credentials by team, application, or policy requirements. Safes make credential organization easier, support role-based access control, and allow granular management. Administrators can assign permissions, monitor activity, and maintain a structured, secure environment within the Vault.
8. What role do policies play in CyberArk?
Ans:
Policies define rules for managing privileged accounts, including password complexity, rotation schedules, access permissions, and session monitoring. They ensure that accounts are used securely and consistently, support compliance requirements, and reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Properly implemented policies strengthen governance and enhance overall privileged access security.
9. What is session recording in CyberArk?
Ans:
Session recording captures the real-time actions of privileged users, creating an audit trail for review and compliance. Administrators can replay sessions to identify suspicious behavior, investigate incidents, and ensure accountability. This feature reduces insider threats, increases transparency, and allows organizations to monitor privileged access effectively.
10. How does automated account management differ from manual management?
Ans:
Manual account management requires administrators to update passwords, grant access, and monitor usage manually, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. Automated account management, using tools like CPM and PVWA, handles password rotation, policy enforcement, and session monitoring automatically. Automation reduces human error, ensures compliance, and strengthens the security of privileged accounts, providing consistent protection and streamlined operations.
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