Privileged Identity Management

What is Privileged Identity Management?

Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is a security feature within Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) that helps organizations manage, control, and monitor access to important resources in Microsoft 365, Azure, and other connected services. It enables time-bound, approval-based, and just-in-time (JIT) privileged access to reduce the risk of unauthorized or over-permissioned access.

Why Use Privileged Identity Management?

Organizations face growing threats from internal misuse and external attacks targeting privileged accounts. PIM helps reduce these risks by enforcing least-privilege access, providing audit logs, alerting suspicious behavior, and enabling just-in-time activation of roles. It supports strong governance and compliance requirements by minimizing standing administrator access.

Is Privileged Identity Management Free?

No, Privileged Identity Management is not free. It is included in premium Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) plans such as:

• Microsoft Entra ID P2 (formerly Azure AD Premium P2)
• Microsoft 365 E5
• Microsoft E5 Security
• EMS E5 (Enterprise Mobility + Security E5)

Users with Microsoft 365 E3 or lower would need to upgrade to access full PIM capabilities.

Key Features of Privileged Identity Management

• ✅ Just-in-Time Access: – Users activate privileged roles only when needed, reducing standing access.
• ✅ Approval Workflows – Role activation can require approval, adding a layer of control.
• ✅ Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Enforces additional verification before role activation.
• ✅ Access Reviews – Schedule periodic access reviews to ensure ongoing compliance.
• ✅ Audit Logs & Alert – Track all privileged access with detailed logs and alerts.
• ✅ Time-bound Access – Set access durations to automatically expire elevated permissions.

How to Privileged Identity Management in Office 365?

Privileged Identity Management is managed via the Microsoft Entra ID admin center. Here’s how to access it:

1. Sign in to https://security.microsoft.com
2. Sign in with your global administrator or eligible role credentials.
3. In the left-hand navigation pane, go to: Identity >> Roles & administrators >> Azure AD roles >> Privileged Identity Management

You can then configure PIM settings, activate roles, manage approvals, and review audit logs.

Summary

Key Point	Details
Feature Name	Privileged Identity Management
Purpose	Manage, control, and monitor privileged access
Included In	Microsoft 365 E5, Microsoft Entra ID P2, EMS E5
Free to Use?	No – requires premium licensing
Access Method	entra.microsoft.com → Roles & administrators → Azure AD roles → PIM
Integrates With	Outlook, Teams, Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Microsoft Graph