# Enhance Privileged Access workflows

PAM verifies users, not devices. Smallstep closes this gap by enforcing device identity for privileged access, including AI agents and MCP servers. Short-lived certificates reduce blast radius and make privileged access auditable.

## Smallstep adds device identity to your PAM workflow

## Block stolen logins

Even the best MFA can’t stop an attacker who steals an engineer’s credentials and logs in from an unapproved machine. Smallstep binds authentication to both user and device identity, blocking unauthorized endpoints before they connect.

## Secure every OS

Whether your admins use macOS, Windows, or Linux, Smallstep enforces hardware-attested certificates, securing every privileged session without extra friction.

## Ban untrusted devices

Most PAM setups don’t check device identity—only who is logging in. That means an admin can use any device, including a personal laptop riddled with malware. Smallstep enforces hardware-bound authentication, ensuring only approved machines can launch privileged sessions.

## Stop lateral movement

Once inside, attackers move laterally using compromised credentials. Smallstep halts this by enforcing per-device, per-session verification, making it impossible to pivot between systems without explicit hardware validation.

## Automate device controls

Forget manual allowlisting. Smallstep syncs with your MDM, blocking unrecognized devices and revoking access when a machine is lost or decommissioned.

## Enhance Privileged Access workflows with device identity

Most PAM solutions verify user identities but still allow logins from unmanaged, unpatched, or compromised devices. MFA alone can’t prevent attackers from using stolen credentials on unauthorized endpoints. Without device identity verification, compromised passwords leave you vulnerable—creating critical security blind spots. Smallstep ensures devices are trusted and approved before granting access.

## Leading the industry in Zero Trust for devices

> I know at which point who has access to what server which I really liked, and my auditors liked.  
> Jimmy Passemard, Chief Information Security Officer • Kameleoon

## Hassle-free auditing

With Smallstep, gain centralized reporting and logging of all user sessions, host access events, and privilege escalations—giving you complete visibility into who accessed what resources, from which device, and when. Simplify compliance audits, improve security oversight, and easily demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements without manual effort or guesswork.

## Get these features and more with Smallstep

### ACME Device Attestation

Bind certificates to TPM or Secure Enclave hardware, preventing unauthorized reuse.

### Dynamic SCEP support

Use short-lived, per-request challenges instead of static secrets.

### Real-time device inventory

Syncs with MDMs to maintain a trusted, up-to-date list of corporate endpoints.

### Automated certificate lifecycle

Issue, renew, and revoke certs automatically, with zero manual overhead.

### Cross-platform coverage

Apply the same hardware-attestation logic on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

### Seamless integration

Works alongside your existing identity provider (Okta, Azure AD, etc.) for holistic zero trust.

## Learn more about the platform

The Smallstep platform helps mitigate numerous cybersecurity threats – from phishing to advanced hardware attacks – without impacting end-user workflows.

[Learn more](/content/platform/index.html)

## Enforce device identity everywhere

Whether you’re working towards a compliance standard, closing gaps in policy enforcement, or preventing nation-state attacks, our team is here to show you how Smallstep can help.

## FAQs PAM

### What is Smallstep’s approach to Privileged Access Management (PAM)?

### How is Smallstep PAM different from traditional PAM tools?

### What kinds of privileged access does Smallstep PAM protect?

### How does authentication work without passwords or SSH keys?

### How does Smallstep enforce least-privilege access?

### Can Smallstep PAM integrate with existing IAM and IdPs?

### How does device trust factor into privileged access?

### Is privileged access logged and auditable?

### Does Smallstep PAM work in cloud-native and hybrid environments?

### Who is Smallstep PAM best suited for?