Privileged Identity Management (PIM): What It Is and Why It Matters

Table of Contents 

• What is privileged identity management (PIM)? 
  

• Why privileged access is a major security risk
  

• Key features of a privileged identity management solution 

• Benefits of implementing PIM 

• Challenges businesses face without PIM 

• How acre security supports privileged identity management 

Privileged accounts give users robust control over systems, data, and facilities. They can modify settings, bypass security measures, and access sensitive information. 

If these accounts are misused or stolen, the impact can be severe. Data can be leaked, systems can be shut down, and facilities can be compromised. 

Attackers target these accounts because the rewards are high. Insider threats also rise when controls are weak. Many businesses are unaware of who has this level of access or how it is utilized. 

Privileged Identity Management, or PIM, addresses this risk. It sets strict rules, enforces continuous monitoring, and defines clear policies for every privileged account. This guide explains what PIM is,  why it matters, and how it protects your most important assets. 

What is Privileged Identity Management (PIM)? 

PIM is the process of managing, controlling, and monitoring accounts with elevated access rights. 

These accounts include system administrators, database managers, network engineers, and physical security managers. 

PIM covers the full lifecycle of these accounts, from provisioning to removal. It includes access approval, session monitoring, and audit logging. 

The goal is to ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and spaces, and only when necessary. 

Read more: What is Identity Management? The Complete Guide 

Why privileged access is a significant security risk 

Privileged accounts have more power than standard accounts. They can override security controls, change system settings, and access sensitive data. 

If one is compromised, attackers can move through systems undetected and cause widespread damage. 

External threats use phishing, malware, and stolen credentials to target these accounts. 

Insider threats can be even more dangerous. Misuse, whether intentional or accidental, can disrupt operations or expose sensitive data. 

The convergence of IT and operational technology exacerbates this risk. A breach in a digital privileged account could shut down physical systems or unlock secure areas. 

Key features of a privileged identity management solution 

A strong PIM system will reduce the risks of privileged access. It should control both digital and physical entry points. It should combine strict access policies with visibility, automation, and the ability to act quickly when threats arise. 

Role-based access control (RBAC) 

RBAC assigns permissions based on defined job roles. Common profiles include Administrator, Manager, or Technician. Each role has access only to what it needs to perform its duties. This approach prevents excessive permissions and reduces potential misuse. 

Attribute-based access control (ABAC) 

ABAC uses attributes such as department, location, clearance level, or project to determine access. It adapts in real time based on the user’s context. This flexibility ensures access rights match the current needs of everyone. 

Read more: Rule-Based Access Control (RuBAC): The Complete Guide 

Just-in-time access provisioning 

Just-in-time provisioning grants elevated permissions only for the duration of a specific task. Access is removed automatically once the task is complete. This approach eliminates standing privileges that attackers could exploit. 

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) 

MFA requires more than a password to log in to a privileged account. It can use a combination of factors such as a password, a security token, a biometric scan, or facial recognition. This makes it harder for attackers to use stolen or guessed credentials. 

Session logging and monitoring 

A PIM system should record every privileged session in detail. Logs should include timestamps, commands used, and systems accessed. Real-time monitoring can detect suspicious actions before they escalate into something more serious. 

Real-time alerts 

Security teams should receive immediate notifications of unusual or risky activity. Early alerts allow teams to take action before a breach occurs. 

Approval workflows 

Requests for elevated access should go through a defined approval process. Only authorized managers or security staff can approve temporary privileges. Every approval is documented for accountability. 

Comprehensive audit trails 

Audit trails maintain a tamper-proof record of all privileged account activity. These records help organizations meet compliance requirements and support investigations. 

Integration with identity and access management (IAM) 

A PIM system should work with the broader IAM platform to ensure consistent access policies across all accounts, devices, and systems. 

Integration with physical access control 

Digital and physical security should work together. When IT access is removed, building entry should also be revoked. A unified policy protects both systems and facilities. 

Read more: The Evolution of Access Control and Digital Identity 

Benefits of implementing PIM 

With PIM in place, organizations can: 

• Reduce their attack surface and exposure. 

• Gain visibility into all privileged activity. 

• Meet audit and compliance requirements more easily. 

• Strengthen defenses against insider threats. 

• Align digital and physical security strategies. 

Challenges organizations face without PIM 

Without proper PIM, enterprises risk: 

• Untracked admin activity and unauthorized changes. 

• Dormant accounts with unused but active privileges. 

• Difficulty detecting breaches until it’s too late. 

• • Non-compliance with standards like HIPAA, ISO 27001, or GDPR.

How acre Security supports privileged identity management 

Acre Security combines physical and digital identity controls in a single platform, giving organisations complete visibility and control over who can access their most critical systems, data, and facilities. 

Role-based access control (RBAC) 

Acre’s access control uses a modern, role-based system. Administrators define clear roles and assign permissions to match. Doctors get access to what they need. Administrative staff do not receive unnecessary entries. Permissions can adapt automatically based on a user’s role, department, or work schedule. 

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) 

Acre strengthens identity verification by requiring more than a password. MFA can include biometric scans, security tokens, and PIN codes. Facial recognition, fingerprint scanners, and retina readers are available for high-security zones such as neonatal intensive care units and IT server rooms. 

Granular permission management 

Security teams can instantly view, grant, revoke, and update access. This applies to both staff and visitors. The system prevents unauthorised access to restricted areas, critical business systems, and sensitive data. 

Continuous monitoring and audits 

All privileged activity is tracked in real time. The system flags unusual behaviour and alerts security teams before a breach escalates. Regular audits provide proof of compliance, help maintain data privacy standards, and reduce insider threats. 

Integration with core systems 

Acre solutions integrate with HR platforms, video surveillance, and other enterprise systems. This convergence of IT and operational technology enables digital and physical security policies to work in tandem. An open API architecture and FITS (Functional Integration Toolkit Scripts) make it easy to build custom workflows without coding. 

Visitor management 

Visitor management tools such as TDS, FAST-PASS, and A-PASS identify and log every visitor. Features include watch list checks, pre-authorisation, and deny-entry capabilities. This enhances safety, streamlines check-in, and ensures compliance with security regulations. 

Cloud-native and flexible deployment 

Acre Access Control, powered by Feenics, is cloud-native for scalability, remote management, and automatic updates. It can also run on-premises or in hybrid environments. This flexibility supports different infrastructure, budget, and compliance requirements. 

Cybersecurity and data protection 

Encrypted communications and network monitoring protect sensitive information. The platform helps organisations meet strict standards such as HIPAA and ISO 27001. Security is proactive, with continuous improvements to defend against evolving threats. 

Conclusion 

Privileged accounts are a high-value target for attackers and a significant source of insider risk. Privileged Identity Management protects these accounts through strict policies, constant monitoring, and integrated controls. 

Acre Security gives you the tools and expertise to secure privileged access across your entire enterprise. Contact us. 

FAQs 

What is privileged identity management (PIM)? 

Privileged identity management (PIM) is the process of controlling, monitoring, and securing accounts with elevated access rights. It ensures that only authorised users can access critical systems and facilities, and only when necessary. 

Why is privileged access a security risk? 

Privileged accounts can override security settings, change configurations, and access sensitive data. If compromised, they can be used for large-scale breaches, insider misuse, or disruption of operations. 

What are the key features of a PIM solution? 

A robust PIM solution should include role-based and attribute-based access controls, just-in-time access, multi-factor authentication, session logging, real-time alerts, approval workflows, audit trails, and integration with both identity management and physical access systems. 

How does PIM help with compliance? 

PIM creates detailed audit trails, enforces approval processes, and restricts access to authorised users, helping organisations meet requirements for standards like HIPAA, ISO 27001, and GDPR. 

What are the risks of not having PIM? 

Without PIM, organisations face untracked admin activity, dormant accounts with active privileges, delayed breach detection, and a higher likelihood of non-compliance with security regulations. 

Can PIM manage both digital and physical access? 

Yes. Modern PIM solutions integrate with physical access control systems so that IT permissions and building entry are managed together under a unified security policy. 

How does Acre Security support PIM? 

Acre Security provides a unified platform combining physical and digital access controls. Features include role-based access, MFA, granular permission management, real-time monitoring, audit support, visitor management, cloud-native deployment options, and cybersecurity protections.