CyberArk PAM-DEF - CyberArk Defender - PAM

 When managing SSH keys, the CPM stores the public key on the target server. The CPM generates a new random SSH key pair and updates the public SSH key on the target machine. The public SSH key is stored in the home directory of the privileged user on the target machine, usually in the file ~/.ssh/authorized_keys. The public SSH key is not stored in the Vault, as this would be redundant and unnecessary. The public SSH key cannot be generated from the private key, as this would defeat the purpose of asymmetric encryption. References:

Manage SSH Keys

SSH Key Manager

Use SSH Keys

 When Privileged Threat Analytics (PTA) is integrated with a supported Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution, the detection of exposed credentials becomes available. This integration allows PTA to detect when a user is connected to a machine with a privileged account without first retrieving the credential from the CyberArk Digital Vault. In such cases, PTA can prompt an immediate credential rotation and send an alert to the SIEM, indicating a suspected credential theft1.

References:

CyberArk Docs - SIEM Integration2

CyberArk Blog - Integrate CyberArk with a SIEM Solution1

 For PSM recording customization, one of the options is to use the Universal keystrokes text recorder with the Windows events text recorder disabled. This configuration allows for the recording of all keystrokes that are typed during privileged sessions on all supported connections. However, it is important to note that Universal keystroke recording and Windows events recordings cannot be configured for the same PSM-RDP connection. By default, Windows events text recording is enabled for PSM-RDP connections, so to enable universal keystrokes text recording, the Windows events text recording must first be disabled1.

References:

CyberArk’s official documentation on configuring recordings and audits in PSM, which includes details on how to customize text recorders and the limitations of configuring multiple recorders for the same connection1

 A usage is a configuration that allows CyberArk to manage passwords for files, such as XML or INI files, that are stored on remote machines. A usage is associated with a parent account, which is the account that has access to the file. To update the password of a usage, the least intrusive way is to use the “sync” button on the usage’s details page. This will synchronize the password value between the Vault and the file, without changing the actual password. The “change” button will initiate a password change process by the CPM, which will generate a new random password for the usage and the file. The “reconcile” button will initiate a password reconcile process by the CPM, which will use a reconcile account to reset the password of the usage and the file to the value stored in the Vault. References: Usages, Manage passwords for usages

 When using the CreateCredFile Utility to harden Credential Files (CredFiles), it is important to include parameters that enhance security. The Host IP Address, Client Hostname, and Vault IP Address are parameters that can be used to specify the environment in which the CredFile is valid, thereby restricting its use to specific machines or networks1. This helps prevent unauthorized access to the CredFile and ensures that it is only used in the intended context.

References:

CyberArk’s official documentation on the CreateCredFile utility provides insights into the security mechanisms used to protect credential files, including the use of environmental key materials such as application-based, machine-based, and component-based materials1.

For a deeper understanding of how to secure Credential Files and the use of the CreateCredFile Utility, refer to the CyberArk Defender PAM course materials and study guide2.

To add a user directly to the Vault Admin Group in CyberArk, you can use the following methods:

REST API: The REST API allows for programmatic management of users and groups within the Vault, including adding users to the Vault Admin Group1.

PrivateArk Client: The PrivateArk Client provides a graphical interface for managing users and groups, and it can be used to add users directly to the Vault Admin Group2.

PACLI: The PACLI (Privileged Access Command Line Interface) is a command-line tool that enables administrators to manage the Vault, including adding users to groups2.

These methods provide different ways to manage users and their group memberships within the CyberArk Vault, offering flexibility for administrators to choose the most suitable approach for their needs.

References:

CyberArk’s official documentation on using the REST API to manage users and groups1.

Information on managing users and groups through the PrivateArk Client and PACLI2.

Security Admins are the built-in group that can view and configure Automatic Remediation and Session Analysis and Response in the PVWA. These features are part of the Privileged Threat Analytics (PTA) module, which is designed to detect and respond to anomalous activities and risky behaviors in the privileged environment. Security Admins have the permissions to access the PTA settings and configure the policies and actions for Automatic Remediation and Session Analysis and Response. References:

Defender PAM Sample Items Study Guide, page 18, question 49

Privileged Threat Analytics Implementation Guide, page 9, section “Security Admins”

 When setting up a Dual Control workflow for a team’s safe in CyberArk’s Privileged Access Management (PAM), the Approvers group must be granted specific permissions to function effectively within the workflow. The permissions required for the Approvers group are to ‘Retrieve accounts’ and ‘Authorize account request’. This allows the Approvers to retrieve the necessary account details and also to authorize requests for access as part of the dual control mechanism. These permissions ensure that the workflow operates smoothly and securely, with the Approvers having the ability to review and approve access requests as needed.

References: The answer is derived from the best practices and guidelines provided in the CyberArk Defender PAM course and learning resources, which include the official CyberArk documentation and study guides. Specifically, the CyberArk documentation outlines the importance of the ‘Retrieve accounts’ and ‘Authorize account request’ permissions for Approvers in a Dual Control workflow