Identity Governance & ProtectionPrivileged Identity Management (PIM)

Privileged Identity Management (PIM)

30 mins

Understanding the Concept

Privileged Identity Management (PIM) provides just-in-time and just-enough access for privileged roles. Instead of permanent role assignments, PIM makes users eligible for roles that they activate when needed, with time-limited access and approval workflows.

PIM supports both Entra ID roles (Global Admin, User Admin) and Azure resource roles (Subscription Owner, Resource Group Contributor). Activation can require MFA, justification, approval, and is time-bounded (e.g., 8 hours maximum).

PIM also provides audit trails of all role activations and a consolidated view of who has privileged access. Alerts notify administrators of unusual activation patterns or roles that have not been used, enabling continuous refinement of privileged access.

Key Points

  • Just-in-time access: Roles activated only when needed
  • Time-bound: Activations expire after a configured duration
  • Approval workflow: Require approval for sensitive role activations
  • MFA + justification: Required at activation for accountability
  • Audit trail: Complete history of who activated what role and when

PIM Activation Flow

Step 1

Eligible Role

Admin is assigned as eligible (not active) for a role

Step 2

Request Activation

Admin requests role activation with justification

Step 3

Verify Identity

MFA required to prove admin identity before activation

Step 4

Approval

Approver reviews and approves/denies the request

Step 5

Time-Bound Access

Role active for configured duration, auto-deactivates

Why This Matters in Real Organizations

Permanent privileged access is a prime target for attackers. If a Global Admin account is always active, a compromised credential gives unlimited access. PIM reduces the window of exposure by making privileged roles available only when needed, significantly reducing the attack surface for the most critical accounts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Setting activation durations too long (e.g., 24 hours for Global Admin)
Not requiring MFA and justification for role activations
Bypassing PIM by assigning permanent active roles
Not configuring alerts for unusual activation patterns

Interview Tips

  • Explain the security benefits of just-in-time access vs permanent assignments
  • Discuss the activation workflow components (MFA, justification, approval)
  • Mention PIM alerts and audit capabilities

Exam Tips (SC-300)

  • Know the difference between eligible and active assignments
  • Understand PIM settings: activation duration, MFA, approval, justification
  • Know that PIM requires Entra ID P2

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