Top 15 Privileged Access Management (PAM) Tools for OT

The Convergence Reality: Why OT PAM is Different

For decades, Privileged Access Management was an IT discipline. It focused on protecting domain admins and database credentials. However, applying a standard IT PAM solution to an OT environment is like trying to use a car key to start a steam engine-it lacks the necessary context and safety protocols.

The “Safety-First” vs. “Security-First” Conflict

In IT, if a PAM tool detects a suspicious login and locks an account, the worst-case scenario is a frustrated employee. In OT, locking out an operator during a pressure surge in a pipeline can lead to catastrophic physical failure, environmental damage, or loss of life. OT PAM must be “Industrial-Aware.”

The Challenges PAM Solves in OT

1. Vendor Proliferation: Modern plants rely on dozens of OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Managing their remote access via traditional VPNs is a security nightmare.
2. Legacy Systems: Many PLCs and HMIs use “hardcoded” or shared credentials that cannot be changed without breaking the process.
3. Protocol Diversity: OT PAM needs to understand more than just RDP and SSH; it must handle industrial protocols and serial connections.
4. Compliance Mandates: Regulations like NIST SP 800-82 Rev 3 and NERC CIP now strictly mandate granular control and auditing of privileged sessions.

Top 15 Privileged Access Management (PAM) Tools for OT

1. Claroty (xDome & SRA)

Claroty has solidified its position as a leader by focusing exclusively on the “Cyber-Physical.” Their Secure Remote Access (SRA) is purpose-built for OT.

• Key Feature: Protocol-aware session monitoring that understands industrial commands.
• Why for OT: It provides a seamless interface for technicians while masking credentials, ensuring no “keys to the plant” ever leave the vault.

2. CyberArk (Privilege Cloud for OT)

The “800-pound gorilla” of IT PAM has made massive strides into the OT space.

• Key Feature: The CyberArk Alero integration allows for biometric-based, VPN-less remote access for third-party vendors.
• Why for OT: Deep integration with major industrial players like Rockwell Automation and Schneider Electric.

3. Wallix (PAM4OT)

Wallix has a dedicated “PAM4OT” offering that is highly regarded in Europe and gaining traction globally.

• Key Feature: An agentless architecture that is incredibly lightweight, perfect for sensitive legacy systems that can’t handle extra software.
• Why for OT: It offers a “VNC Overlay” which allows operators to see exactly what a remote vendor is doing in real-time.

4. BeyondTrust (Privileged Remote Access)

BeyondTrust excels at managing “Just-in-Time” (JIT) access, which is crucial for reducing the attack surface.

• Key Feature: Granular “Command Control” that can white-list or black-list specific actions within a session.
• Why for OT: Their hardware appliances are ruggedized for deployment in harsh industrial environments.

5. Delinea (Secret Server)

Formed by the merger of Thycotic and Centrify, Delinea offers one of the most user-friendly vaulting solutions.

• Key Feature: High-speed discovery of privileged accounts across distributed industrial networks.
• Why for OT: Excellent for managing the “credential sprawl” that happens when plants grow over decades.

6. Xage Security (Fabric)

Xage takes a unique approach using mesh-security and blockchain-protected identity.

• Key Feature: A decentralized architecture that ensures there is no “single point of failure” for access control.
• Why for OT: It allows for secure access even when the plant is “disconnected” or in a low-bandwidth state.

7. Microsoft Entra (ID Governance for OT)

With the integration of CyberX technology, Microsoft is moving deeper into the OT identity stack.

• Key Feature: Seamless integration with Azure IoT and Defender for IoT.
• Why for OT: Ideal for organizations already heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem looking for a unified IT/OT identity plane.

8. Bastion (by WALLIX)

While part of the Wallix suite, the Bastion component is often used standalone for its robust session recording.

• Key Feature: Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on recorded sessions, making every keystroke searchable for forensic audits.
• Why for OT: Vital for compliance in highly regulated sectors like nuclear and pharma.

9. Cyolo

Cyolo is a “Zero Trust Access” pioneer that focuses on connecting users directly to applications, not the network.

• Key Feature: Complete “Identity-Based” access that works even for legacy, non-web-based industrial applications.
• Why for OT: It eliminates the need for VPNs entirely, removing a major lateral movement vector.

10. One Identity (Safeguard)

One Identity provides a “modular” approach to PAM that is highly scalable.

• Key Feature: “Starling” cloud-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) specifically designed for industrial workflows.
• Why for OT: Excellent for large-scale multi-site manufacturing environments.

11. ARCON (PAM)

ARCON is recognized for its “Risk-Predictive” analytics.

• Key Feature: It assigns a “Risk Score” to every privileged user based on their behavior patterns.
• Why for OT: Helps catch “insider threats” or compromised accounts before they can execute a malicious command.

12. Senhasegura

A rapidly growing player in the Gartner Magic Quadrant, known for its rapid deployment.

• Key Feature: Integrated “Task Automation” that can perform routine maintenance across thousands of devices securely.
• Why for OT: Low TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and high ease-of-use for small-to-mid-sized utilities.

13. ManageEngine (PAM360)

For those looking for a cost-effective, all-in-one IT/OT management suite.

• Key Feature: Strong SSH key management and password rotation for network infrastructure.
• Why for OT: Great for managing the “Level 2” and “Level 3” switches and firewalls in the Purdue Model.

14. Saviynt (Enterprise Identity Cloud)

Saviynt focuses on the “Governance” side of PAM.

• Key Feature: Automated “Access Reviews” that ensure vendors lose access the moment a contract ends.
• Why for OT: Solves the problem of “ghost accounts” left behind by former contractors.

15. HashiCorp (Boundary)

Boundary is the “modernist” choice, focusing on identity-aware proxying.

• Key Feature: Dynamic host discovery in cloud-heavy IoT environments.
• Why for OT: Best for “Greenfield” smart factories that utilize high amounts of Edge computing and AWS/Azure IoT.

Implementation Strategy: The OT Ecosystem Approach

Selecting a tool is only 30% of the battle. The remaining 70% is integration and culture.

1. Map Your Purdue Model: Ensure the PAM tool can sit at the DMZ (Level 3.5) and control access down to Level 2 and Level 1.
2. Enforce MFA, but Be Realistic: Use hardware keys (like YubiKeys) for plant floor workers where smartphones are prohibited.
3. Prioritize Session Recording: In OT, the audit trail is often more important than the lock. If something breaks, you need to know if it was a cyber-attack or a human configuration error.
4. Zero Trust is the Goal: Move away from “persistent access.” Every session should be requested, approved, and timed.

Conclusion

In 2025, Privileged Access Management is no longer an optional “extra” for industrial cybersecurity-it is the foundation. By implementing one of these top 15 tools, OT leaders can move from a reactive “hope for the best” posture to a proactive, resilient, and compliant security state.

The OT Ecosystem is here to help you navigate these choices. Our mission is to bridge the gap between complex security technologies and the practical realities of the industrial floor.