Modern Privileged Access Management: Evolving Approaches to Permission Models

Introduction

Privileged Access Management (PAM) has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with organisations increasingly moving away from traditional persistent access models to more dynamic, secure approaches like zero standing permissions.

Modern PAM - Zero Standing Permissions

Persistent Permissions Model

Traditional Approach

• Definition: Persistent permissions grant users continuous, long-term access to privileged systems and resources

• Characteristics:

  • Standing administrative accounts with constant elevated access

  • Predefined access rights that remain active indefinitely

  • Typically used in legacy infrastructure and traditional IT environments

Drawbacks

• Increased attack surface

• Higher risk of credential compromise

• Difficult to track and audit access

• Violates the principle of least privilege (PoLP)

• Complex access revocation process

Zero Standing Permissions Model

Modern Approach

• Definition: Dynamic, just-in-time (JIT) access model where privileged access is granted temporarily and only when explicitly required

• Key Principles:

  • Minimal standing privileges

  • Ephemeral, time-limited access

  • Granular, context-aware authorisation

  • Automated access provisioning and revocation

Benefits

• Significantly reduced security risk

• Improved compliance and auditability

• Enhanced visibility into access patterns

• Alignment with zero trust security framework

• Minimised potential for unauthorised access

Implementation Strategies

Zero Standing Permissions Techniques

1. Just-in-Time (JIT) Access

   • Temporary elevation of privileges

   • Automatically expires after a predefined time

   • Requires explicit approval and justification

2. Temporary Credentials

   • Dynamically generated, short-lived credentials

   • Automatically rotated and invalidated

   • Strict time-based and context-based controls

3. Privileged Access Brokers

   • Centralised systems manage access requests

   • Real-time authorisation and monitoring

   • Comprehensive audit trails

Transition Considerations

Migration from Persistent to Zero Standing

• Comprehensive identity and access management (IAM) assessment

• Gradual implementation with pilot programs

• Investment in automation and identity governance tools

• Cultural shift towards a security-first mindset

Emerging Trends

• Integration with artificial intelligence for adaptive access control

• Increased use of behavioural analytics

• Continuous authentication mechanisms

• Deeper integration with cloud and hybrid environments

Conclusion

The shift from persistent to zero standing permissions represents a fundamental reimagining of privileged access. Organisations embracing this model can significantly enhance their security posture, reduce risk, and create more resilient, adaptable access management strategies.