Centralizing Privileged Access for a Complex Government Network

Our client’s vision was to provide a central unified PAM service and implement unified processes across dispersed interconnected government branches. Its processes for managing highly privileged access were manual and needed to address improved security controls and become more efficient. After a lengthy, competitive process, this client engaged KeyData Cyber to provide a comprehensive assessment and develop a forward-thinking strategic plan to improve and automate the PAM/IAM program across 43 internal government departments with a total employee size of over 500,000.

Highlights

Challenge

• Develop and deploy a unified IAM/PAM framework for both on-prem and cloud 
• Implement an integrated technology solution to secure access for over 500,000 employees
• Centralize privileged access management across 43 partner departments

Solution

Our team worked with this client to gather requirements and provided a wide range of services necessary to take the service from inception to deployment.  

• Comprehensive IAM/PAM Current State Assessment: Conducted a thorough assessment of the existing Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) landscape, identifying key strengths, weaknesses, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Strategic Target-State IAM/PAM Definition: Developed a comprehensive target-state architecture, strategy, and roadmap for both IAM and PAM, outlining a phased implementation plan to achieve a modernized and secure identity ecosystem.
• Modernized IAM/PAM Program Management: Managed the complete execution of a modernized IAM/PAM program, overseeing all aspects of implementation, from initial planning to deployment and ongoing optimization.
• Managed PAM Service Operating Model Design: Developed a robust operating model and comprehensive client onboarding artifacts to facilitate the successful launch and efficient operation of the managed Privileged Access Management (PAM) service.
• Technical Design, Solution Configuration, and Integration: Provided expert technical design, solution configuration, integration, and customization services across diverse environments (off-premises, on-premises, and cloud), ensuring seamless interoperability.
• Comprehensive Training Development and Deployment: Developed and deployed tailored training programs for various user groups, including administrators, end-users, developers, and operations personnel, ensuring effective adoption and utilization of the new IAM/PAM solutions.

Business Outcomes

This successful engagement represents the largest PAM deployment nationally in Canada and one of the largest in North America, resulting in significant business benefits for our client.  

• Improved Efficiency Through Automation: Achieved significant improvements in operational efficiency by eliminating hundreds of hours of manual approval processes through strategic automation, streamlining workflows and reducing administrative overhead.
• Centralized Privileged Account Management and Enhanced Visibility: Implemented centralized management and monitoring for a large-scale deployment of 10,000 privileged accounts, providing enhanced visibility, control, and auditability over critical assets.
• Substantial TCO Reduction and Accelerated Time-to-Value: Delivered a substantial reduction in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for privileged access management while simultaneously achieving rapid time-to-value, demonstrating significant return on investment.