As the complexity of digital infrastructures increases, information security is no longer limited to the prevention of external threats. One of the most significant security risks today is the uncontrolled use of privileged access, whether internal or application-based. CyberArk addresses this critical risk area by providing organizations with a centralized, auditable, and secure structure for managing their highest-privileged accounts.
CyberArk was founded in 1999 by Ehud Udi Mokady and Alon N. Cohen, both recognized as technology entrepreneurs. At the time of its establishment, the company focused on the uncontrolled use of highly privileged access, which had emerged as a major security challenge in enterprise information technology environments. Udi Mokady, an officer with experience in intelligence and information security, defined the strategic vision of the company; together with Alon N. Cohen, they developed the foundational technologies that shaped the modern discipline of privileged access management. In its early stages, CyberArk concentrated on the centralized and secure storage of administrator accounts and critical credentials, as well as on controlling access to this sensitive information. This approach was initially implemented through a digital vault technology referred to as the “Network Vault,” which later evolved into a core component of CyberArk’s architectural design. This early architectural approach has evolved over time into a modular platform.
CyberArk is positioned primarily as a platform focused on privileged access security. Within an organization, all access points that carry elevated privileges—such as system administrator accounts, service accounts, application identities, API keys, and cloud management roles—are managed under the CyberArk platform. This model provides a holistic security approach that encompasses not only users but also automated and machine-to-machine access scenarios.
In enterprise information systems, critical infrastructure components are administered through specific privileged accounts. These accounts possess significantly broader permissions compared to standard user accounts. When a system administrator account is compromised, an attacker can modify system configurations, disable security mechanisms, and exfiltrate sensitive data without immediate detection. Technical analyses of major cybersecurity incidents indicate that a substantial proportion of large-scale attacks originate from the compromise of privileged accounts. This reality demonstrates that traditional security controls, when used in isolation, are insufficient to address modern threat scenarios.
CyberArk’s fundamental approach is based on eliminating direct users’ knowledge of privileged passwords. Within the platform, critical credentials are not exposed or accessible to users. As a result, security is not limited to merely concealing passwords; instead, it is achieved by controlling how authorization is granted and used across the entire system. Accordingly, CyberArk treats access not as a continuous and unrestricted right, but as a temporary and tightly controlled process. A user or application may request access only for the specific operation for which authorization has been granted. The required credentials are applied by CyberArk in the background, and the access session is terminated automatically once the operation is completed. This mechanism significantly reduces the risk of human error and credential misuse.
This architectural approach reflects Zero Trust security principles, where no user, system, or application is implicitly trusted. Every access request is verified, evaluated in context, and granted only for a defined purpose and duration, regardless of the source or network location.
Working Principle
The CyberArk ecosystem manages privileged access not from a single control point, but through a set of complementary components. Each component focuses on a distinct stage of the privileged account lifecycle and operates collectively to establish a layered and holistic security architecture. This architecture defines, end-to-end, how highly privileged identities are stored, how they are used, under which conditions access is granted, and how all access activities are monitored and controlled.
CyberArk does not treat privileged access solely as a password security issue; instead, it delivers a security model that evaluates access within its contextual, behavioral, and operational domains. For this reason, the platform functions through multiple integrated modules built around a central vault architecture, with each module governing a different phase of the privileged access lifecycle. This design enables the implementation of a consistent and scalable security framework across both traditional on-premises data center environments and modern cloud-based and DevOps-oriented infrastructures. For application and automation use cases, CyberArk provides centralized management of confidential data and secrets.
CyberArk is not limited to access through a small number of predefined client tools or solely via a web-based portal. Rather, it operates as an access security layer capable of integrating with a broad ecosystem that includes terminal clients, database management tools, automation platforms, and cloud infrastructures. This integration strategy places security at the core of the infrastructure while preserving existing user workflows. In addition, integration with Microsoft Active Directory, LDAP-based directory services, and external identity providers enables centralized and consistent identity management.
The primary objective of these integrations is to allow users to continue working with the tools they are familiar with, without ever directly exposing privileged credentials. On the terminal and remote connection side, the most common integration scenarios involve SSH and RDP-based clients. Tools such as Remote Desktop Manager (RDM), Royal TS, PuTTY, MobaXterm, mRemoteNG, Remmina, and SecureCRT are among the most frequently used in this context. These applications do not receive or store passwords directly; instead, connection requests are routed through CyberArk PSM or PSMP components, and authentication is performed automatically by the platform. The same model applies to SFTP and SCP-based file transfer tools, including WinSCP, Cyberduck, and FileZilla. On the remote desktop and system administration side, platforms such as Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP), VMware vSphere Client, Citrix management consoles, and Hyper-V Manager can be integrated with CyberArk. Database administration tools also represent a significant integration domain. Applications such as Oracle SQL Developer, SQL Server Management Studio, pgAdmin, MySQL Workbench, and similar tools can operate using database credentials securely stored within the CyberArk vault. Furthermore, CyberArk provides deep integrations with major cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, supporting both infrastructure and identity-related use cases.
The integration landscape is further extended within DevOps and automation environments. Automation and orchestration platforms such as Jenkins, Ansible, Terraform, Kubernetes, and OpenShift integrate with CyberArk Secrets Management solutions. Through this approach, service accounts, API keys, and access tokens used within CI/CD pipelines are not embedded in application code; instead, they are securely retrieved at runtime. This model effectively eliminates one of the most common and critical security weaknesses observed in modern software development practices.
1. Enterprise Password Vault (EPV)
At the heart of the CyberArk architecture is the “Digital Vault”. This structure stores all privileged credentials using high-level encryption methods. System administrator passwords, service accounts, database user information, SSH keys, API keys, and similar critical credentials are protected in this vault using encryption. The information stored in this vault is not directly visible to users; access is isolated through both network-level and logical access controls, and every transaction is logged. The main purpose of the EPV is to eliminate the circulation of critical credentials in files, scripts, or memorized by users. The contents of the vault are inaccessible, and all transactions are logged in detail.
When a user or application wants to access a privileged system, it submits a request through CyberArk. The system evaluates this request according to predefined security policies. When the authorization conditions are met, the necessary credentials are transmitted to the target system by CyberArk. The user cannot view, copy, or use this information outside the system. All actions performed during access are logged, and the commands executed, changes made, and session duration are monitored in detail. These logs are used in incident investigation, forensic analysis, and audit processes. If desired, the password can be automatically changed upon completion of the process. This mechanism quickly eliminates the possibility of the password being compromised. Thus, the password lifecycle is managed completely automatically and securely.
2. Password Vault Web Access (PVWA)
PVWA is a web-based interface that allows users to interact with the CyberArk environment. Authorized users can connect to the PVWA via a browser to see which systems they can access within the vaults they are authorized for, manage approval processes, and initiate sessions. Technically, PVWA constitutes the user experience layer; it is not the vault itself, but the controlled gateway for accessing the vault.
3. Privileged Session Manager (PSM)
PSM is a proxy server that enables the secure initiation and monitoring of authorized sessions. When a user wants to connect to a server, web portal, or network, they cannot connect directly to the target system. A session is opened to the target server via the PSM server. During this process, the password is not shown to the user, the session screen is recorded, and it can be monitored live if needed. All active sessions can be terminated instantly by the CyberArk administrator if necessary. Thus, PSM provides a technical and verifiable answer to any questions that may arise regarding the session.
This model enforces the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users and applications receive only the minimum level of access required to perform a specific task, and only for the time needed to complete that operation.
4. Privileged Session Manager for SSH (PSMP)
PSMP is a derivative of PSM designed specifically for command-line access used in Linux and Unix systems. Connections made via SSH are controlled through PSMP, and the commands executed by the user are recorded in detail. This structure enables the same level of control and monitoring as PSM in terminal-based systems.
5. Privileged Threat Analytics (PTA)
PTA is an analytics component that analyzes the behavior of privileged accounts. It learns users’ past behavior and detects unusual actions. For example, a user logging into the system at unusual times, executing commands they would not normally use, or making changes to system files with high access privileges are considered risky behaviors. This structure aims to detect attacks not only through static rules but also through behavioral analysis.
6. Central Policy Manager (CPM)
CPM is the component responsible for automatically changing passwords. Password rotation processes are handled by a central policy engine. This component connects to systems according to defined rules, changes passwords, and synchronizes them with records in the vault. This eliminates the need for manual password management. A system’s password is changed by CPM after a specified period, and the new password is securely saved in the relevant EPV where the registered account is located. This process is completely automated and requires no manual intervention. CPM eliminates classic security vulnerabilities, such as passwords that are not changed for long periods, are known by multiple users, or are shared. Passwords for all systems, including user accounts in Active Directory, are renewed using strong passwords and synchronized securely.
7. Endpoint Privilege Manager (EPM)
EPM controls administrator privileges on user computers. Instead of users having permanent administrator rights on their endpoints, permissions are granted only when required and only for specific applications. This approach prevents malware from running with elevated privileges and significantly enhances endpoint security.
Secrets Management
As a component developed for modern applications and cloud environments, Secrets Management enables the secure handling of secret keys and credentials used by applications. API keys, tokens, and service accounts are not embedded within application code; instead, they are securely retrieved from CyberArk at runtime. This approach is critical, particularly in microservice architectures and automation scenarios.
CyberArk Workforce
Today, storing usernames and passwords in internet browsers during access to web-based applications represents a serious security vulnerability. Although using different credentials for each application or service theoretically increases security, storing this information on endpoint devices, in browser memory, or in physical environments is neither sustainable nor secure in practice. This approach carries the risk of credentials being compromised through malware, unauthorized access, or user error.
The CyberArk Workforce approach is built on Single Sign-On, Multi-Factor Authentication, and contextual access controls to address these risks. Users securely access authorized applications after passing through centralized authentication, while all access is managed through predefined policies. This structure reduces the burden of password management for users while providing strong protection against identity theft and password-based attacks.
While privileged access security is often associated with infrastructure-level administrator and system accounts, modern enterprise environments also require the protection of human identities accessing business applications. As organizations increasingly rely on web-based and cloud-native services, controlling workforce access becomes a natural extension of privileged access management. In this context, CyberArk Workforce complements the core PAM architecture by extending the same security principles to end-user identities and application access.
CyberArk Workforce operates in alignment with modern business models where remote work and cloud-based applications are common. When evaluating access requests, contextual signals such as user location, device security posture, and historical access behavior are analyzed, and additional verification steps are applied based on risk level. In addition, access permissions are automatically updated during employee onboarding, role changes, and offboarding processes, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.
When all the components mentioned above are considered together, CyberArk is positioned not merely as a password vault; it is a comprehensive security platform that enables the secure storage, controlled use, continuous monitoring, behavioral analysis, and automated management of privileged access. This architecture reduces the likelihood of human error, narrows the attack surface, increases operational visibility, and technically enables accountability within enterprise systems. In addition, the platform is supported by modern security mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication, strengthening access control at every stage.
CyberArk not only provides technical security controls but also supports enterprise audit and compliance requirements. In regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration, the traceability of privileged access is a mandatory requirement. CyberArk fulfills this requirement through detailed logging, reporting, and audit-ready records. By combining behavioral analytics with access logs, abnormal activities can be detected, and potential threats can be identified at an early stage. This capability shortens incident response times and helps prevent the escalation of security incidents.
In today’s environment, where digital infrastructures continue to expand and cyberattacks grow increasingly sophisticated, the question of “who is accessing what, when, and under which conditions” forms the foundation of effective security. CyberArk provides a technically consistent, auditable, and sustainable answer to this question. Its operational model prevents malware, compromised users, or unauthorized processes from obtaining system-wide privileges, even if initial access is gained. For this reason, CyberArk is positioned as a critical component of modern enterprise cybersecurity architectures.
CyberArk’s privileged access management approach aligns closely with the principles defined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and NIST SP 800-53. In particular, controls related to access control (AC), identification and authentication (IA), audit and accountability (AU), and system integrity are directly addressed through CyberArk’s architecture. By enforcing least privilege, continuous monitoring, session recording, and credential lifecycle automation, CyberArk supports organizations in meeting NIST requirements for controlled access, traceability, and risk-based security management. This alignment enables CyberArk to function not only as a security tool but also as a practical implementation layer for NIST-aligned enterprise security programs.
CyberArk centralizes and strictly controls privileged access, which represents the highest-risk category of access within enterprise information systems. The platform treats authorization not as a permanent entitlement, but as a controlled and time-bound process. All privileged access is monitored, logged, and governed within the framework of predefined security policies, ensuring continuous oversight and risk reduction.
In addition to all these conditions, controlled emergency access (break-glass) mechanisms can also be defined for exceptional scenarios such as system outages or situations requiring urgent intervention. These access paths are strictly monitored, time-bound, and fully logged to ensure accountability even under critical conditions. Such situations are not automatically “detected” by CyberArk; instead, the fact that access is occurring in an extraordinary context is deliberately triggered by authorized personnel or external incident and crisis management systems.
Emergency scenarios are defined in advance on CyberArk based on policy. It is clearly determined which systems are covered, under what types of outages or operational disruptions emergency access can be requested, and which roles are authorized to initiate such requests. This approach prevents the use of high-risk practices such as manual and uncontrolled password sharing during crises. In the event of an outage, an authorized user initiates an emergency access (break-glass) request, which follows a process different from standard access workflows. Once the request is approved, the user is granted access that is strictly limited in scope to the relevant system and constrained by a defined time window. During this access, privileged credentials are not exposed to the user; all connections are established indirectly through PSM or PSMP. At this stage, the Central Policy Manager (CPM) manages the credentials in a temporary and controlled manner. When the defined access period expires, the associated password is forcibly rotated, and the emergency access session is automatically terminated.
This model provides the necessary operational flexibility during critical situations while preventing emergency access from becoming a persistent security risk after the incident is resolved. Throughout the entire process, all activities are recorded in detail and made fully auditable. As a result, the principles of least privilege and accountability are preserved even under exceptional operating conditions.
Source: https://docs.cyberark.com/portal/latest/en/docs.htm
