How can organizations protect critical cloud environments while maintaining the speed and agility needed for growth? The answer lies in modernizing Privileged Access Management (PAM) — transforming it from a compliance checkbox into a strategic advantage that safeguards sensitive assets and supports evolving business needs.
In a recent webinar, Saketh Machavarapu, Head of Engineering and Support, AMER at SSH, shared practical insights on how companies can navigate this transformation effectively.
“Organizations want to be proactive,” Saketh explains. The journey to modern PAM begins with foundational activities such as framework whiteboarding, design workshops, and architectural reviews. These collaborative sessions help organizations gain a clear understanding of their current environment and map out the path forward.
Many organizations discover that transitioning away from passwords isn’t as overwhelming as they initially feared. “The main challenge lies in migrating existing integrations, but with proper planning and realistic timelines, companies can position themselves for future success,” Saketh notes.
Modern PAM solutions enable businesses to replace static passwords with dynamic, context-aware access controls. This shift significantly reduces the risk of credential theft and unauthorized access - a critical step in protecting cloud infrastructures that power operations.
Saketh emphasizes that despite the hype around emerging technologies like AI, security remains fundamental: “Everything boils down to how your critical infrastructure is accessed.”
There’s no longer a choice—identity-based security is critical to any modern defense. Organizations must adopt strategies that seamlessly protect identities across both on-premises and cloud environments. This approach minimizes risk by ensuring that only verified users gain access to sensitive systems and data.
With expanding attack surfaces and hybrid IT environments, traditional perimeter defenses are not enough. Modern PAM pivots the security focus to identities - the true new perimeter in today’s digital world.
Outsourcing risk assessments to third parties is no longer enough. “Organizations need to measure and assess their security controls internally,” Saketh highlights.
Using available tools and processes, security teams should continuously evaluate their posture and communicate findings across all levels - from security architects and engineering managers to directors and executive leadership.
This ongoing communication ensures that security decisions align with business goals and that thezation can adapt quickly to emerging threats and changing environments.
“Identity and Access Management can cause sleepless nights,” admits Saketh. But the key to effective PAM is not a one-time implementation; it’s continuous monitoring, evaluation, and evolution of controls.
Regularly reviewing the effectiveness of access controls and authentication methods enables organizations to spot vulnerabilities early and adjust policies as needed. This proactive approach not only strengthens security but also optimizes investment, ensuring that every dollar spent supports risk reduction and business objectives.
Watch the full webinar here to hear expert insights and discover practical steps to protect your critical assets while accelerating business growth.