Keeper Security Survey Finds PAM Solutions too Complex

Keeper Security, a provider of cloud-based zero-trust and zero-knowledge cybersecurity software protecting passwords, secrets and connections, released findings today from its Privileged Access Management Survey: User Insights on Cost & Complexity. The report explores global insights from IT and security executives, revealing an overwhelming industry desire for privileged access management (PAM) solutions that are easier to deploy and maintain: 84 percent of IT leaders say they want to simplify their PAM solution in 2023.

As cybersecurity threats continue to grow, IT leaders are seeking effective PAM solutions that can provide visibility, security, control and reporting across every user, on every device. PAM adoption is widespread, with 91 percent of survey respondents saying their organizations use a PAM product. But the findings show traditional PAM products are failing to meet organizational needs. More than two-thirds of IT managers (68 percent) say their PAM product is too complicated or has too many features they don’t use, and 87 percent of respondents would prefer a pared-down form of PAM that is easier to deploy and use.
Additional report findings show:

  • On average, IT teams only use 62 percent of their current PAM functionality. Fifty-eight percent of respondents agree there is waste in their PAM solution.
  • Roughly two-thirds of survey respondents indicate that pricey and superfluous PAM features create too much complexity for users, reducing user satisfaction.
  • More than half of all IT teams (56 percent) report they tried to deploy a PAM solution but never implemented it. Of those, 92 percent said it was because their PAM solution was too complex.
  • Most organizations (85 percent) say their PAM product requires a dedicated staff to manage and maintain.
  • Two-thirds of IT leaders (66 percent) say they need a better PAM solution, but 58 percent say they do not have one because it is too expensive.

Alarmingly, nearly two-thirds of IT leaders (62 percent) say the downturn in economic conditions likely will cause them to scale back their current PAM platform. Today’s IT and security leaders require a PAM solution that protects their most sensitive systems without the complexity and unnecessary features that drive up costs. The research shows their top criteria include solutions that are quick to deploy, affordable and simple to understand and integrate.

Based on the survey results, the top five benefits IT leaders seek in a PAM solution include:

  • Managing and monitoring privileged user access
  • Protecting against compromise of privileged credentials by external threat actors
  • Preventing data breaches
  • Protecting against accidental or deliberate misuse of privileged access by company insiders
  • Ensuring privileged user access is updated to prevent “privilege creep”

Respondents also share the top five benefits of a simplified PAM solution:

  • Easier to deploy
  • Easier to integrate into other systems
  • Cost savings
  • Consolidated platform
  • Requires less staff