Introduction to BeyondTrust
BeyondTrust is a leading cybersecurity company specializing in Privileged Access Management (PAM), offering solutions that protect credentials, secure remote access, and manage endpoints. BeyondTrust’s unified platform helps organizations prevent privilege misuse and stop data breaches by providing visibility and control over privileged accounts and access. This comprehensive approach matters because privileged credential abuse is involved in almost all major security breaches.
Core BeyondTrust Products & Solutions
| Product | Primary Function | Key Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Privileged Password Management | Secure storage and management of privileged credentials | Automated password rotation, secure vaulting, session monitoring |
| Privileged Remote Access | Secure remote access to critical systems | Vendor access management, zero-trust remote access, session recording |
| Endpoint Privilege Management | Control application and user privileges | Least privilege enforcement, application control, privilege elevation |
| Vulnerability Management | Identify and remediate security weaknesses | Asset discovery, vulnerability assessment, risk prioritization |
| Cloud Privilege Protection | Secure multi-cloud environments | Cloud access management, cloud security posture management |
| DevOps Secrets Safe | Secure DevOps secrets management | API secrets management, CI/CD pipeline security |
Step-by-Step Implementation Process
1. Initial Assessment & Planning
- Identify privileged accounts across the organization
- Document access requirements for users and systems
- Prioritize critical systems and applications
- Determine compliance requirements
- Develop implementation timeline and phases
2. Deployment Preparation
- Ensure server requirements are met
- Configure database and application servers
- Establish backup and recovery procedures
- Install BeyondTrust central management console
- Create administrative accounts for management
3. Solution Implementation
- Deploy password management system
- Implement credential discovery and onboarding
- Configure privileged session management
- Set up endpoint privilege management
- Establish remote access controls
4. Policy Development & Testing
- Create policies based on least privilege principle
- Test privilege elevation workflows
- Validate application control policies
- Verify password rotation policies
- Test emergency access procedures
5. Integration & Expansion
- Integrate with directory services (AD, LDAP)
- Connect with SIEM solutions for security monitoring
- Implement multi-factor authentication
- Expand to additional systems and environments
- Enable cloud privilege protection
Key Commands & Operations
Password Safe Management
# Check managed account status
Get-BeyondTrustAccount -SystemName "server01" -AccountName "admin"
# Request password access
Request-BeyondTrustAccessPassword -SystemName "server01" -AccountName "admin" -Reason "Maintenance"
# Force password rotation
Update-BeyondTrustPassword -SystemName "server01" -AccountName "admin" -ForceChange
# Create managed account
New-BeyondTrustManagedAccount -SystemName "server01" -AccountName "newadmin" -AutoManage $true
# Review password history
Get-BeyondTrustPasswordHistory -SystemName "server01" -AccountName "admin" -Last 10
Endpoint Privilege Management
# Check policy application status
Get-BTPolicy -ComputerName "endpoint01"
# Grant temporary elevation
Grant-BTPrivilege -Application "installer.exe" -Duration 60 -Reason "Software update"
# Create application rule
New-BTApplicationRule -Path "C:\Program Files\App\app.exe" -Arguments "*" -Action Allow
# List elevated applications
Get-BTElevatedProcess -ComputerName "endpoint01"
# Check policy conflicts
Test-BTPolicyConflict -PolicyName "Development Workstations"
Privileged Remote Access
# Start secure remote session
Start-BTRemoteSession -TargetSystem "server01" -Protocol RDP
# Authorize vendor access
Grant-BTVendorAccess -Vendor "ServiceProvider" -System "server01" -Duration 120
# Review active sessions
Get-BTActiveSessions
# Generate session report
Export-BTSessionReport -StartDate "2025-05-01" -EndDate "2025-05-09" -Format CSV
# Configure jump client
Install-BTJumpClient -TargetSystem "endpoint02" -Group "Production Servers"
BeyondTrust Console Navigation
| Section | Purpose | Key Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Assets | System inventory management | Add/remove systems, group management, discovery |
| Credentials | Password management | Password policies, rotation settings, checkout workflows |
| Access | Permission control | User/group permissions, access policies, approvals |
| Sessions | Session management | Active sessions, recordings, session policies |
| Reports | Reporting & analytics | Compliance reports, activity logs, audit trails |
| Config | System configuration | Global settings, authentication, integrations |
| Admin | Administrative functions | User management, licensing, backups |
Security Best Practices
Authentication & Access Controls
- Implement multi-factor authentication for all privileged access
- Enforce strong password policies for all managed accounts
- Rotate passwords automatically after each use for critical systems
- Use Just-In-Time (JIT) privileged access rather than standing privileges
- Implement approval workflows for sensitive system access
- Limit administrative console access to authorized management networks
Monitoring & Auditing
- Record all privileged sessions with video for critical systems
- Enable keystroke logging for administrative sessions
- Configure real-time alerts for suspicious privilege use
- Integrate with SIEM solutions for centralized monitoring
- Maintain comprehensive audit trails for compliance
- Conduct regular access reviews to verify appropriate permissions
Implementation Hardening
- Secure the BeyondTrust infrastructure as a critical asset
- Deploy BeyondTrust servers in a hardened configuration
- Maintain current patches for BeyondTrust components
- Use redundant architecture for high availability
- Implement network segmentation for management components
- Configure secure backup processes for the credential vault
Common Challenges & Solutions
Deployment Challenges
Challenge: Initial discovery missing privileged accounts
- Solution: Use both automated discovery and manual verification; repeat discovery periodically
Challenge: User resistance to new access workflows
- Solution: Provide clear training; implement in phases; demonstrate security benefits
Challenge: Performance impact on endpoints
- Solution: Optimize policies; use exclusions for resource-intensive applications; staged deployment
Operational Challenges
Challenge: Emergency access procedures too restrictive
- Solution: Create break-glass accounts with proper auditing; develop clear emergency procedures
Challenge: Password rotation breaking applications
- Solution: Test rotation processes thoroughly; implement application-specific connectors; use managed services accounts where appropriate
Challenge: Session recording storage requirements
- Solution: Implement retention policies; use compression; consider cloud storage options
BeyondTrust Architecture Components
- Secure Appliance: Hardened server hosting core BeyondTrust functions
- Password Safe: Encrypted credential vault for password management
- Session Manager: Controls and records privileged sessions
- Endpoint Agents: Local components enforcing endpoint policies
- Jump Clients: Remote access components for target systems
- Policy Editor: Management interface for privilege policies
- Reporting Engine: Analytics and compliance reporting system
Integration Capabilities
| System Type | Integration Purpose | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Active Directory | User and group synchronization | Group mapping, authentication, automatic onboarding |
| SIEM Solutions | Security monitoring | Event forwarding, alert generation, correlation |
| ServiceNow | IT service management | Ticket integration, approval workflows, change management |
| Identity Governance | Access certification | User access reviews, compliance reporting |
| DevOps Tools | Secrets management | API integration, CI/CD pipeline security |
| Multi-factor Authentication | Enhanced security | Radius, SAML, Push notification integration |
Compliance Mapping
| Regulation | Relevant BeyondTrust Features | Compliance Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| PCI DSS | Password vaulting, session monitoring | Control access to cardholder data, verify user activities |
| HIPAA | Least privilege enforcement, audit trails | Protect PHI, maintain access records |
| SOX | Separation of duties, approval workflows | Financial system controls, audit evidence |
| GDPR | Access controls, data protection | Demonstrate appropriate security measures |
| NIST 800-53 | Comprehensive PAM controls | Address AC, IA, AU control families |
| ISO 27001 | Risk-based security approach | Support security control implementation |
Licensing & Deployment Models
- Perpetual: Traditional license with maintenance and support
- Subscription: Annual or multi-year term-based licensing
- On-premises: Deployed within customer infrastructure
- Cloud-hosted: BeyondTrust SaaS offering for managed solution
- Hybrid: Combination of on-premises and cloud components
- Modular: Individual product licensing
- Platform: Comprehensive suite licensing
Resources for Further Learning
Official Documentation
- BeyondTrust Product Documentation Portal
- BeyondTrust Technical Library
- Implementation Guides and Deployment Best Practices
- BeyondTrust API Documentation
Training & Certification
- BeyondTrust Certified Administrator
- BeyondTrust Certified Engineer
- BeyondTrust Privileged Access Implementation Specialist
- Annual BeyondTrust University Virtual Training
Community Resources
- BeyondTrust Community Forums
- BeyondTrust GitHub Repository
- Annual BeyondTrust Security Conference
- Regional User Groups
Support Resources
- BeyondTrust Support Portal
- Knowledge Base Articles
- Technical Support Contacts
- BeyondTrust Professional Services
Staying Current
- BeyondTrust Security Blog
- Quarterly Product Update Webinars
- Security Advisory Notifications
- Customer Success Program