1. What is Privileged Access Management (PAM) in CyberArk?
Ans:
Privileged Access Management (PAM) refers to the practice of controlling, monitoring, and securing access to critical accounts and systems within an organization. It helps reduce the chances of unauthorized access, ensures accountability, and supports compliance with regulatory requirements. PAM includes storing credentials in secure vaults, tracking privileged sessions, and applying strict access policies. By managing privileged accounts carefully, organizations can protect sensitive resources and prevent misuse.
2. How do Password Vaulting and Session Monitoring differ?
Ans:
Password Vaulting focuses on securely storing privileged credentials in the CyberArk Vault and automating their periodic rotation. Session Monitoring, on the other hand, observes and records the activities of users with privileged access in real time for auditing and compliance purposes. While vaulting ensures the credentials themselves are safe, monitoring ensures responsible usage and detects suspicious or abnormal behavior. Both functions 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 protect privileged credentials, secrets, and SSH keys. Access to the Vault is limited to authorized users and systems only. It supports automated password rotation, generates audit trails, and integrates seamlessly with enterprise applications. The Vault provides a centralized and secure foundation for privileged access management. By safeguarding credentials, it ensures operational security and regulatory compliance.
4. How are privileged accounts different from regular accounts?
Ans:
Privileged accounts have elevated permissions that allow users to perform administrative tasks, configure systems, or access sensitive data and applications. Regular accounts have standard access rights without the ability to make critical system changes. Due to their elevated privileges, privileged accounts require stronger controls, monitoring, and automated password management to prevent misuse or compromise. Proper handling of these accounts is critical for organizational 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 compliance enforcement for privileged accounts. Password Vault Web Access (PVWA) provides a secure web interface for users and administrators to request, manage, or access credentials. Together, CPM and PVWA simplify privileged access management, ensuring that credentials are rotated automatically, access policies are enforced, and sensitive accounts are properly monitored. These tools reduce human error and strengthen security controls.
6. What is a CyberArk trigger, and what is its purpose?
Ans:
A CyberArk trigger is an automated mechanism that initiates specific actions based on predefined events, such as password updates, access requests, or session starts. Triggers help enforce security policies, generate notifications, and execute scripts automatically without manual intervention. They ensure consistency in managing privileged accounts and reduce the risk of human error. By using triggers, organizations can maintain strong security practices efficiently.
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 based on teams, applications, or policy requirements. Safes simplify credential organization, enable role-based access control, and provide more granular management of accounts. They allow administrators to assign permissions, monitor activity, and maintain a structured and secure environment within the Vault.
8. What role do policies play in CyberArk?
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Policies define rules for privileged account management, including password complexity, rotation schedules, access permissions, and session monitoring. They ensure that privileged accounts are used securely and consistently across the organization. Policies also support compliance requirements, reduce the risk of unauthorized access, and enforce organizational security standards. Properly implemented policies strengthen overall privileged access governance.
9. What is session recording in CyberArk?
Ans:
Session recording captures the real-time activities of privileged users, creating an audit trail for review and compliance purposes. Administrators can replay sessions to detect suspicious behavior, investigate incidents, and ensure accountability. This functionality reduces insider threats and provides transparency for critical operations. By maintaining detailed session records, organizations can monitor privileged access and respond to potential security risks promptly.
10. How does automated account management differ from manual management?
Ans:
Manual account management requires administrators to manually update passwords, grant access, and monitor usage, which can be time-consuming and error-prone. 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. It streamlines operations and provides consistent protection for sensitive credentials.
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