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The Clock is Ticking – Why Now is the Time to Act on Privileged Access

  • Pravin Raghvani MSc
  • May 21
  • 2 min read

Updated: May 28

We’ve explored the unseen risks of privileged access, the strategic advantages of Smart Access PAM, and the need to shift from outdated models to a Zero Trust approach. We’ve also shown how aligning with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework turns privileged access management (PAM) from a technical function into a measurable business enabler.

But understanding the challenge is not enough.

The real risk lies in delay.


Privileged Access Is Under Attack—Constantly

Cybercriminals aren’t targeting firewalls—they’re targeting identities. And privileged accounts are the most valuable ones of all.

  • 80% of breaches involve compromised credentials.

  • Once inside, attackers seek out elevated privileges to move laterally.

  • Most organisations still have standing admin rights across systems.

It only takes one unsecured account to jeopardise your entire operation. Waiting until your organisation is in the headlines is not a strategy—it’s a failure of leadership.


If You’re Not in Control, You’re at Risk

Many organizations think they have PAM under control because they’ve deploye

ree

d a tool or built some manual processes? But without:

  • Full visibility across all privileged accounts,

  • Structured governance aligned with business goals,

  • Continuous monitoring and just-in-time access, you’re still exposed—and possibly out of compliance.


Meanwhile, regulators, insurers, and boards are raising the bar:

  • Cyber insurance premiums now factor in PAM maturity.

  • Regulators are demanding demonstrable control over sensitive access.

  • Boards want evidence that cyber risk is actively managed, not assumed.


Leadership Must Own the PAM Agenda

Privileged access is not just an IT issue—it’s a business risk and an executive's accountability.

It impacts:

  • Business continuity

  • Customer trust

  • M&A due diligence

  • Regulatory posture

  • Innovation speed

It’s time for the C-suite to lead. Smart Access PAM gives you the roadmap—a flexible, business-aligned framework that works for your risk appetite, your pace, and your future.


What You Can Do Now

Start with three simple but strategic steps:

  1. Ask the Right Questions

    • Do we have visibility into all privileged accounts—human and non-human?

    • Can we prove who accessed what, when, and why?

    • Are we using just-in-time access and least privilege by default?

  2. Adopt a Maturity-Based Framework. Align your PAM efforts with a structured model like Smart Access PAM, grounded in NIST CSF, to demonstrate control, compliance, and progress.

  3. Create a Sense of Urgency Make PAM a leadership priority—not just another IT project. Empower your security teams, allocate resources, and embed PAM into your enterprise risk strategy.


The Window Is Closing

The digital business moves fast. So do your adversaries. The difference between a company that weathers a storm and one that becomes tomorrow’s headline often comes down to how seriously it takes privileged access.

You don’t need to boil the ocean. But you do need to start with structure, with intent, and with urgency.

The time for passive security is over. The time for Smart Access PAM is now.

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