Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
5 minutes
5 Questions
Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is a service within Microsoft Entra ID that enables organizations to manage, control, and monitor access to critical resources. PIM addresses the security risks associated with standing privileged access by implementing just-in-time (JIT) privile…Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is a service within Microsoft Entra ID that enables organizations to manage, control, and monitor access to critical resources. PIM addresses the security risks associated with standing privileged access by implementing just-in-time (JIT) privileged access principles.
PIM allows administrators to configure time-bound access to privileged roles, meaning users only receive elevated permissions when they need them and for a limited duration. This significantly reduces the attack surface by minimizing the window during which privileged credentials could be compromised or misused.
Key features of PIM include role activation workflows, where users must request activation of their eligible roles. Organizations can require approval processes, multi-factor authentication, or justification before granting temporary elevated access. This ensures accountability and creates an audit trail for all privileged activities.
PIM supports both Microsoft Entra roles (such as Global Administrator or User Administrator) and Azure resource roles (like Owner or Contributor on subscriptions and resource groups). This comprehensive coverage allows centralized governance across the entire Azure ecosystem.
Access reviews are another essential component, enabling periodic verification that users still require their assigned privileges. Organizations can schedule recurring reviews to ensure role assignments remain appropriate and aligned with business needs.
The service provides detailed audit logs and alerts, allowing security teams to monitor privileged access patterns and detect anomalous behavior. Notifications can be configured for various events, including role activations and assignments.
PIM also supports Privileged Access Groups, enabling just-in-time membership to security groups that control access to sensitive resources or applications.
By implementing PIM, organizations can enforce the principle of least privilege, reduce persistent administrator accounts, maintain compliance requirements, and strengthen their overall security posture. The service integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft security tools, providing a comprehensive identity governance solution for enterprise environments.
Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
Why Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is Important
Privileged Identity Management is a critical security component for organizations because privileged accounts are prime targets for attackers. When compromised, these accounts can cause significant damage to an organization's infrastructure and data. PIM addresses the principle of least privilege by ensuring users only have elevated access when they need it, reducing the attack surface and minimizing the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of privileged permissions.
What is Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management?
Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is a service in Microsoft Entra ID that enables you to manage, control, and monitor access to important resources in your organization. These resources include those in Microsoft Entra ID, Azure, and other Microsoft Online Services like Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Intune.
Key capabilities of PIM include: - Just-in-time (JIT) privileged access to Microsoft Entra ID and Azure resources - Time-bound access with start and end dates for assignments - Approval-based activation requiring specific approval to activate privileged roles - Access reviews to ensure users still need roles - Audit history for internal or external audits - Notifications when privileged roles are activated
How Microsoft Entra PIM Works
Role Assignment Types: - Eligible assignments: Users must perform an action to use the role (activation). Actions may include MFA, providing justification, or obtaining approval. - Active assignments: Users have the role assigned and can use it at any time.
Activation Process: 1. User requests activation of an eligible role 2. User completes required steps (MFA, justification, approval if configured) 3. Role becomes active for a specified duration 4. Role automatically deactivates after the time period expires
PIM Settings You Can Configure: - Maximum activation duration (default is 8 hours) - Require MFA on activation - Require justification - Require approval and select approvers - Configure notifications - Require conditional access authentication context
PIM for Azure Resources vs. Microsoft Entra Roles
PIM can manage both: - Microsoft Entra roles: Global Administrator, User Administrator, Exchange Administrator, etc. - Azure resource roles: Owner, Contributor, User Access Administrator, etc., at management group, subscription, resource group, or resource scope
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
1. Understand Eligible vs. Active assignments: Questions often test whether you know that eligible assignments require activation while active assignments provide ongoing access. Choose eligible for security-conscious scenarios.
2. Know the licensing requirements: PIM requires Microsoft Entra ID P2 or Microsoft Entra ID Governance licenses. If a question mentions P1 only, PIM is not available.
3. Remember time-bound access: PIM roles can have maximum activation durations. Default is 8 hours, maximum is 24 hours for role activation.
4. Approval workflows: When questions ask about requiring manager approval before granting privileged access, PIM with approval requirements is the answer.
5. Access Reviews integration: PIM integrates with Access Reviews to periodically validate that users still need their eligible assignments.
6. Just-in-time is the key concept: If a question describes a need to reduce standing privileged access or provide temporary elevated permissions, PIM is typically the solution.
7. Know which roles can manage PIM: Global Administrator and Privileged Role Administrator can manage PIM settings and assignments.
8. Azure resource scope hierarchy: PIM for Azure resources follows the management group > subscription > resource group > resource hierarchy. Assignments can be inherited.
9. Emergency access accounts: Best practice is to have at least two break-glass accounts with permanent Global Administrator assignments, excluded from PIM requirements.
10. Audit and compliance: When questions focus on tracking who activated what role and when, PIM's audit history feature is relevant.