6 Best Practices for Database Securing Administrative Accounts with PAM

Securing database administrative accounts is one of the most critical aspects of an organization’s cybersecurity strategy. These accounts have elevated privileges that, if compromised, can lead to severe security breaches, data leaks, and system disruptions.

Implementing privileged access management (PAM) that extends to the database is essential to mitigating these risks and ensuring administrative access is controlled, monitored, and safeguarded from cyber threats (one such solution that is known for providing PAM for the database and a free privileged access management solution is Mamori.io). Below are the seven best practices for enhancing the security of administrative accounts using PAM.

What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?

Privileged access management is a cybersecurity framework that controls and monitors privileged access to critical systems, networks, and data. PAM solutions help organizations enforce security policies by managing administrative accounts, securing credentials, and limiting access based on predefined roles. By implementing PAM, businesses can mitigate security risks, reduce insider threats, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

1. Enforce Strong Authentication and Least Privilege Access

Administrative accounts must be protected by multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access. Using hardware security keys or mobile authentication apps enhances security over SMS-based MFA. Implementing strong authentication protocols such as FIDO2/WebAuth and integrating identity federation with Single Sign-On (SSO) can further bolster security.

The principle of least privilege should also be enforced to grant users only the access necessary for their tasks. Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) using directory services like Active Directory (AD) or IAM solutions help automate privilege assignments and minimize manual errors.

Pro Tip: Automate privilege assignments through RBAC and integrate biometric or other MFA solutions.

2. Implement Just-in-Time (JIT) and Secure Credential Management

Standing privileged access increases the risk of misuse. JIT-privileged access enables temporary elevation only when required, minimizing exposure. That can be enforced using PAM tools such as Mamori.io, CyberArk, BeyondTrust, or others.

Credential management best practices include automatic password rotation, secure vaulting, and eliminating shared credentials. Password policies should enforce complex passwords via policies like NIST 800-63B, and organizations should integrate with identity governance frameworks for improved control.

Pro Tip: Use PAM solutions that can automate JIT access and/or password rotation.

3. Monitor, Audit, and Detect Privileged Activities

Continuous monitoring of privileged activity helps detect anomalies and prevent security breaches. Organizations should log and analyze administrative sessions using Security Information and Event Management. SIEM solutions include ELK Stack, Splunk, or Microsoft Sentinel. Enforcing session timeouts and recording all administrative sessions using tools like Session Recording in PAM solutions enhances accountability.

AI-powered analytics and User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) can further enhance anomaly detection, which can easily flag deviations from typical administrative behaviors. Integrating SIEM ensures quick alerting and response.

Pro Tip: Enable real-time session monitoring and trigger alerts for suspicious login times, locations, devices, or behavior.

4. Segregate Administrative Duties and Secure Remote Access

No single user should have unchecked access to critical systems. Separation of duties and RBAC enforce accountability and minimize insider threats. Privileged accounts should be segregated using separate administrative environments, such as jump servers or privileged access workstations.

Additionally, remote administrative access should be secured using VPNs, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions, and endpoint security solutions that implement continuous authentication and risk-based access control.

Pro Tip: Require multi-level approvals for privileged access requests and monitor all sessions, including remote sessions, for unusual activity.

5. Control Third-Party Access and Enforce Zero Trust Security

External vendors and contractors requiring privileged access should have tightly controlled, temporary access with automatic expiration. Solutions like Just-in-Time access and token-based authentication can ensure time-limited access. A zero-trust approach ensures that every access request is verified using role, device, and micro-segmentation rules to restrict lateral movement.

Pro Tip: Require third-party authentication via controlled, audited gateways instead of direct system access.

6. Conduct Regular Security Audits and Implement Automated Threat Detection

Continuous improvement is key to effective PAM security. Regular audits should be conducted using compliance frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, and CIS best practices. Penetration testing and red team exercises should simulate attacks to identify weaknesses in privileged access management.

Automated threat detection leveraging AI-driven Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) solutions can enhance real-time incident response by automatically revoking suspicious access and enforcing risk-based adaptive security measures.

Pro Tip: Deploy security orchestration and automation tools to revoke access immediately when suspicious activity is detected. Use forensic analysis tools for post-incident review.

Strengthening Cyber Resilience Through Database PAM

Protecting database administrative accounts is a non-negotiable component of modern cybersecurity. Implementing these best practices for securing privileged access with PAM significantly reduces the risk of breaches, unauthorized access, and insider threats. Organizations can ensure their administrative accounts remain secure in an increasingly complex threat landscape.