A recent report from S&P Market Intelligence has revealed that only 43% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have implemented privileged access management (PAM) solutions. This is in stark contrast to the higher adoption rates of other cybersecurity technologies such as network, email, and endpoint security, as well as security information and event management (SIEM) tools. This discrepancy in adoption rates can leave SMBs vulnerable to cyber attacks, as most successful breaches involve stolen or compromised credentials that are used to escalate privileges and move laterally across a network.
Privileged access management solutions are specifically designed to protect against these types of attacks. They enable organizations to control and monitor access to sensitive systems, applications, and data. However, PAM products have traditionally been complex, expensive to deploy and maintain, and difficult to use, making them inaccessible to many smaller businesses. As a result, SMBs are often considered “low hanging fruit” by attackers.
“With the expansion of the attack surface due to remote and hybrid working, privileged access management is becoming increasingly critical,” said Darren Guccione, CEO and co-founder at Keeper Security. “However, SMB adoption of PAM is lagging due to traditionally high barriers of entry, which is making them low hanging fruit for attackers. In order to bolster security, organizations should seek flexible, easy-to-use, cloud-based PAM solutions that are cost-effective and offer a full stack of IAM capabilities.”
Cloud-native PAM solutions are now emerging as a more feasible option for SMBs. These solutions adapt to the changing landscape of remote and hybrid work environments and provide the necessary visibility, security, reporting, and control across the entire organization. They also address the need to support a wider range of users, including those who have access to digital intellectual property and confidential company data.
Keeper Security, a leading provider of zero-trust and zero-knowledge cybersecurity software, offers a next-generation PAM solution called KeeperPAM. This solution is specifically designed for perimeterless and multi-cloud environments, eliminating the prohibitive costs and deployments associated with traditional PAM solutions. With KeeperPAM, organizations can achieve comprehensive security, visibility, and control for every user, on every device, from any location.
As the threat landscape continues to evolve and cyber attacks become more sophisticated, it is crucial for SMBs to prioritize privileged access management. By implementing the right PAM solution, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and protect their sensitive information. Keeper Security is committed to transforming cybersecurity for individuals and businesses worldwide, offering solutions that are affordable, easy to use, and built on a foundation of zero-trust and zero-knowledge security.
To learn more about the importance of PAM for SMBs, you can download the full report from Keeper Security’s website. With the right PAM solution in place, SMBs can enhance their cybersecurity posture, protect their valuable assets, and mitigate the potential damages caused by cyber attacks.