Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about PAM, IAM, CyberArk and working with PAM Xpert.
What is the difference between PAM and IAM?
IAM is the overarching framework for managing all user identities and access rights. PAM is a specialist discipline within the IAM ecosystem focusing exclusively on privileged high-risk identities — administrator accounts, service accounts, system accounts. In short: every PAM programme is part of IAM, but not every IAM programme fully covers PAM.
Why is CyberArk the leading PAM solution?
CyberArk has been ranked as a Leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Privileged Access Management for multiple consecutive years. This reflects the platform’s technical depth (particularly vault architecture and session management), broad ecosystem (over 300 pre-built connectors), complete product portfolio (from on-premises to SaaS, endpoints to DevOps secrets) and market acceptance in highly regulated industries.
Does DORA apply to my organisation?
DORA (EU) 2022/2554 has applied since 17 January 2025 to virtually all types of financial companies in the EU: banks, insurance companies, investment firms, payment service providers, asset managers, crypto-asset providers, trading venues and their critical ICT third-party service providers. If your organisation operates in the EU financial sector, DORA very likely applies to you.
How long does a typical PAM implementation take?
This depends heavily on scope and complexity. A foundational implementation (vault deployment, onboarding the most critical systems) can be completed in 6–12 weeks. A full enterprise implementation with broad account onboarding, SIEM integration and JIT access typically takes 6–18 months. PAM is not a one-time project — building a mature PAM programme is a multi-phase process.
How does PAM Xpert work?
PAM Xpert works fully remotely and on a project basis. For assessments, architecture consulting and short-term engagements, we prefer an initial phone or video call to understand the situation. Longer-term consulting mandates and implementation projects are agreed on the basis of a defined scope and timeframe. We do not issue standard proposals without a prior conversation.
Didn’t find your answer?
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