Intro.
Ransomware has evolved far beyond simple file encryption. Today’s attacks are strategic, stealthy, and designed to infiltrate entire IT environments by escalating privileges, disabling defences, and spreading laterally through systems.
The real danger? Privileged accounts. These accounts — often belonging to admins, developers, or automated services — hold the keys to your kingdom. Once compromised, a single privileged account can allow attackers to control, exfiltrate, or destroy critical data.
That’s why Privileged Access Management (PAM) is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Why Do Ransomware Attacks Target Privileged Accounts?
Modern ransomware doesn’t stop at locking files. Attackers aim to:
- Escalate privileges
- Move laterally across the network
- Access and disable security controls
- Delete backups and shadow copies
- Maximise disruption and extort higher ransoms
The fastest route to doing all this? Compromise a privileged account.
What Is PAM and Why Is It Crucial?
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a framework of cybersecurity strategies and tools that control, monitor, and manage privileged account access.
Think of PAM as placing all your sensitive credentials in a vault, tracking every access, and only handing over the “keys” when absolutely necessary.
Key capabilities include:
- Credential Vaulting – Securely stores and rotates credentials to avoid reuse.
- Just-in-Time (JIT) Access – Grants temporary access only when required, minimizing exposure.
- Least Privilege Enforcement – Users receive only the access they need, and nothing more.
- Session Monitoring and Recording – Every session is audited, ensuring traceability.
- Access Control for Third Parties – Vendors and contractors are tightly managed within set boundaries.
How PAM Prevents Ransomware Breaches
Let’s break it down:
Prevents Session Hijacking
Attackers can’t hijack sessions when access is granted just-in-time and actively monitored.
Reduces the Blast Radius
By enforcing least privilege, PAM limits what an attacker can do, even if they gain access.
Vaults and Rotates Credentials
No more shared, static passwords. Every credential is secured and automatically rotated to prevent unauthorised use.
Full Session Visibility
Every login and command is recorded — attackers can’t operate in the shadows.
Just-in-Time Access
Access is given only when required and revoked immediately after use, closing windows of opportunity for attackers.
Real-World Example: How PAM Stops Ransomware in Action
Imagine an employee falls victim to a phishing email. An attacker breaches the initial endpoint, but here’s what happens:
- They can’t access admin credentials — passwords are vaulted and masked.
- They can’t move laterally — least privilege policies block unnecessary access.
- Every attempt is logged and flagged, alerting the SOC in real-time.
Before the ransomware can encrypt anything or disable systems, the attack is interrupted. PAM breaks the kill chain.
PAM Is More Than Just a Checkbox — It’s a Defence Strategy
Using PAM isn’t just about compliance, though it helps with frameworks like:
- NIST 800-53
- ISO 27001
- GDPR
- HIPAA
It’s about building cyber resilience. A system that manages and monitors access at the highest level can survive, detect, and respond to threats faster and more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about ransomware defence, PAM must be part of your core security architecture.
Securing your strongest accounts is non-negotiable in a world where attackers exploit the weakest links.
Ask yourself: Is your organisation currently using PAM effectively?
