Cyberark
« Back to Glossary IndexIntroduction
In today’s hyper-connected digital age, organizations are facing more sophisticated cyber threats than ever before. The financial toll of cybercrime, which soared to $1 trillion in 2020, is anticipated to reach an alarming $10.5 trillion by 2025. These staggering figures emphasize the critical need for advanced cybersecurity solutions and comprehensive Identity and Access Management (IAM) strategies. CyberArk, a global leader in privileged access management and Identity Security, has emerged as a cornerstone solution for safeguarding privileged accounts, digital identities, and sensitive digital systems.
As cyber attackers increasingly target privileged user accounts, emergency accounts, service accounts, and machine identities, it’s imperative to implement Zero Trust frameworks and secure access controls. CyberArk provides a robust cybersecurity solution through its Identity Security Platform, addressing insider threats, privilege elevation, and password management with unmatched precision.
CyberArk Fundamentals
CyberArk is a market-leading Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution, purpose-built to secure privileged accounts and credentials within both on-premise and cloud environments. The CyberArk Privileged Account Security Platform (PAS) plays a vital role in reducing the attack surface by enforcing strict privilege controls and enabling adaptive MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication).
CyberArk safeguards domain admin accounts, local admin accounts, and other critical access points by implementing lifecycle management, secure digital vaults, and directory services integrations. With tools like Password Vault Web Access, Secure AI Agents, and CyberArk vault safes, the platform ensures real-time protection of sensitive assets across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
CyberArk’s strategic approach to Identity Security includes the governance of machine identity management, enforcement of Endpoint Least Privilege, and integration with IT units using integration APIs and identity governance standards. These capabilities are essential for businesses seeking to establish an ironclad IAM suite that complies with regulatory standards such as PCI DSS.
Key Capabilities and Products
CyberArk offers a rich portfolio of products designed to secure privileged access and control identity management across complex infrastructures:
- Application Access Manager (AAM) Credential Providers: Supports secure application-to-application password management across CI/CD pipelines, cloud deployments, and SaaS services.
- Enterprise Password Vault (EPV): A secure storage repository for privileged account credentials, providing password policy administration, password review utilities, and lifecycle automation.
- Privileged Session Manager (PSM): Facilitates real-time session recording and monitoring, allowing IT administrators to control and audit access to sensitive systems.
- Privileged Threat Analytics (PTA): Enables threat detection with behavioral analytics and deep packet inspection, helping detect adversarial attacks and anomalous behavior.
- SSH Key Manager: Automates the rotation, upload, and management of SSH credentials using tools like the SSH Password Upload Tool and Bulk Password Upload Tool.
- CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager: Manages privilege elevation and delegation on endpoints, enforcing least privilege policies while improving malware threat resilience.
- Password Vaulting: Provides centralized, secure storage of credentials for local and domain admin accounts, supporting secure AI agents and advanced cloud-native software development environments.
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Features | Use Cases | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AAM Credential Providers |
Secure app-to-app credential delivery |
DevOps, CI/CD, SaaS integration |
Prevents credential sprawl |
|
Enterprise Password Vault |
Centralized password storage and automation |
Global password management |
Streamlined compliance & access controls |
|
Privileged Session Manager |
Session recording and monitoring |
IT operations, regulatory audits |
Insider threat mitigation |
|
Privileged Threat Analytics |
User behavior analytics & threat alerts |
Real-time cyber threat defense |
Proactive response to adversarial threats |
|
Endpoint Privilege Manager |
Endpoint least privilege enforcement |
Workstations, remote users, RPA agents |
Reduces malware infection risk |
How CyberArk Works
CyberArk’s Identity Security Platform integrates seamlessly with existing IT ecosystems, ensuring a unified approach to access control, threat detection, and secure identity lifecycle management. It protects privileged user accounts using secure vault technology, rotating credentials, and employing adaptive MFA.
The CyberArk DAP (Dynamic Access Provider) supports cloud-native deployments, and the CyberArk vault ensures that machine identities, privileged credentials, and digital assets remain secured. Privileged sessions are monitored via the Privileged Session Manager, and suspicious behaviors are flagged through Privileged Threat Analytics. The combination of real-time alerts, session recording, multi-factor authentication, and privilege elevation tools offers comprehensive cybersecurity for hybrid, multi-cloud environments.
Business Benefits of CyberArk
Organizations implementing CyberArk’s cybersecurity solutions benefit in several key areas:
- Improved Productivity: Automated password vaulting and lifecycle management eliminate manual overhead for IT administrators and DevSecOps teams.
- Regulatory Compliance: CyberArk helps businesses adhere to regulatory standards like PCI DSS through detailed auditing, session recording, and identity lifecycle controls.
- Insider Threat Mitigation: Behavior monitoring and real-time threat detection help prevent breaches caused by privileged accounts misuse.
- Reduced Risk of Breach: Proactive controls over domain admin accounts, privilege management, and digital vault access limit opportunities for unauthorized entry.
- Secure Access at Scale: CyberArk facilitates secure access to cloud environments, IT units, and digital systems with adaptive MFA, single sign-on, and Zero Trust strategies.
CyberArk’s Market Position
CyberArk is recognized globally for its excellence in Identity Security and privileged access security. Highlights of its market dominance include:
- Trusted by over 10,000 global organizations
- Presence in more than 110 countries
- Used by 55%+ of Fortune 500 companies
- Deployed by 35%+ of Global 2000 organizations
- Recognized in Gartner 2020 Magic Quadrant for PAM leadership
- Honored with the CyberArk IMPACT Partner of the Year Award
With an extensive partner ecosystem including advisory firms, the Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence, and training platforms like Multisoft Virtual Academy and Penn State, CyberArk remains a top-tier choice for IAM and PAM solutions.
Comparison Table: IAM/PAM Landscape
|
Solution |
Global Reach |
Enterprise Adoption |
Key Features |
|
110+ countries |
>55% Fortune 500 |
Full Identity Security Platform, PAM, session control |
|
|
Competitor A |
85+ countries |
45% Fortune 500 |
IAM-focused, limited PAM |
|
Competitor B |
75+ countries |
50% Global 2000 |
Moderate PAM, weak vaulting and session recording |
Implementation Guide
Step-by-step Implementation Plan:
- Assess Security Requirements: Evaluate privileged account security needs, IAM suite gaps, and cloud deployments.
- Strategic Planning: Define access policies for privileged accounts, emergency accounts, and machine identities.
- Install and Configure: Use CyberArk installation scripts to deploy the Digital Vault, Password Vault Web Access, and Credential Providers.
- User Enablement: Train staff on secure access, privilege controls, and cyber hygiene via CyberArk SharePoint Hub and CyberArk Yammer Group.
- Manage and Monitor: Enable session recording, password rotation, and behavioral monitoring. Review analytics dashboards and UBA tools.
Best Practices:
- Rotate privileged account credentials regularly
- Monitor privileged sessions with recording and alerting
- Integrate IAM with CyberArk for full Identity Governance and Administration
- Use Endpoint Least Privilege enforcement across all user endpoints
The Future of Identity Security and CyberArk’s Role
With increasing interest in AI technology and Agentic AI, CyberArk is investing in tools that address identity security challenges posed by generative AI and Large Language Models. Through its CyberArk Labs, the company is spearheading advancements in Secure AI Agents, Model Context Protocols, and Robotic Process Automation security.
CyberArk’s future roadmap includes Cloud Security Posture Management, enhanced User Behavior Analytics, and integration with the Cloud Security Alliance. These innovations will play a pivotal role in addressing identity security in multi-cloud environments, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-native development workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is CyberArk implemented within organizations?
CyberArk implementation involves strategic planning, system configuration, credential onboarding, and ongoing identity lifecycle management.
2. What are the CyberArk licensing and pricing options?
Pricing is based on organizational scale, number of privileged accounts, and deployment model. For specifics, consult a CyberArk representative.
3. Is there support and training available for users?
Yes, training is available via CyberArk Help Form, CyberArk Certification programs, and partner academies like Multisoft Virtual Academy.
4. Does CyberArk integrate with existing IAM platforms?
Absolutely. It supports integrations with leading IAM and IGA tools using robust APIs and directory services protocols.
5. Can CyberArk be used in cloud-native environments?
Yes, CyberArk supports hybrid, multi-cloud, and SaaS deployments with tools purpose-built for cloud security.
Conclusion
CyberArk is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution purpose-built for today’s digital landscape. With capabilities in Privileged Session Management, Endpoint Privilege Management, Application-to-Application Password Management, and Lifecycle Management, it provides unmatched control over digital identities, privileged accounts, and secure access.
As digital systems evolve and AI technologies become more integrated into business operations, securing access through a robust Identity Security Platform is paramount. CyberArk’s commitment to threat detection, multi-factor authentication, and session recording ensures that organizations stay one step ahead of adversarial attacks.
Whether you’re managing domain admin accounts, safeguarding CI/CD pipelines, or preparing for an initial public offering under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s scrutiny, CyberArk provides the privileged access security backbone you can trust.
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