Cyber With Debra!

There are certain accounts in a system that hold more power than others. They can install software, change settings, view sensitive information, or even shut things down if needed. These are called privileged accounts, and when they are misused or left unmanaged the impact can spread very quickly.

In this week’s comic, Brittany asks why companies make such a big deal about admin accounts. Debra explains that the more an account can unlock, the bigger the risk if anything goes wrong. It is like holding a master key that opens every door in a building. Convenient, yes, but dangerous if it ever lands in the wrong hands.

That is where Privileged Access Management, or PAM, comes in. PAM controls who gets high level access, when they get it, and how long they keep it. Instead of leaving powerful accounts always on and always available, PAM makes that access temporary, monitored, and intentional.

This keeps the impact small if something goes wrong and removes unnecessary opportunities for misuse.

Why It Matters

Privileged accounts sit at the heart of every organization. In a hospital that can mean installing updates on medical devices, accessing patient information for troubleshooting, managing electronic health record systems, or configuring imaging or lab equipment. These are tasks that require trust and precision because one wrong change can affect patient care or the flow of information.

If a privileged account is compromised, the attacker does not start at the bottom. They start with power. They start with reach. And they start with a path that can spread quickly.

PAM reduces that risk by limiting what those accounts can do and when they can do it. It also adds layers such as

• Just in time access that appears only when needed

• Automatic expiration once the task is complete

• Session monitoring that records what was accessed and why

• Least privilege so people only get the access they truly need

PAM keeps elevated access from becoming an open invitation.

Everyday Takeaway

Power is not the problem. Uncontrolled power is. When high level accounts are tightly managed, monitored, and temporary, security becomes stronger for everyone.

Security always comes back to awareness. Privileged accounts make our work easier, but they also remind us to be intentional about who gets high level access and when.

So the question becomes simple. How is privileged access handled in your world and what guardrails are in place to keep it safe Today’s choices shape tomorrow’s security. 🛡️