Introduction
Permanent admin rights might feel convenient, but they’re also one of the biggest security risks in any organization. If an attacker compromises a Global Admin account in Azure AD (now Entra ID), they instantly gain unrestricted access. That’s why more and more organizations are adopting Privileged Identity Management (PIM).
PIM reduces risk by ensuring elevated roles are temporary, controlled, and monitored. For system administrators, this is a practical way to keep the environment secure without slowing down operations. For recruiters, experience with PIM signals you can balance security, compliance, and usability — a combination that’s highly valued in enterprise environments.
What PIM Does
Instead of giving administrators standing privileges, PIM provides just-in-time access. Here’s how it typically works:
- Eligible, not permanent: Admins are assigned roles they can activate but don’t hold all the time.
- Activation on demand: When privileged access is required, admins request activation.
- Extra safeguards: Activation may require MFA or manager approval.
- Time limits: Elevated privileges automatically expire after a set period.
- Full visibility: Every activation and action is logged for audit purposes.
This approach significantly reduces the attack surface while still allowing admins to do their jobs efficiently.
Why It Matters for Organizations
Stronger Security
Without PIM, admin accounts with always-on rights are prime targets. With PIM, attackers can’t escalate privileges without going through MFA and approval gates.
Compliance Made Easier
Regulations such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and HIPAA emphasize least privilege and auditability. PIM enforces both by design.
Clear Accountability
No more guessing which admin made a change. With PIM, every role activation is traceable.
Business Continuity
Admins still get the access they need, but only when they need it. This avoids the all-or-nothing model of permanent admin rights.
Recruiter insight: These points show that you not only know how to configure PIM but also understand its business impact, which makes you more appealing as a candidate.
Example in Action
A financial services firm had several permanent Global Admins. When one account was compromised through phishing, the entire tenant was put at risk. After implementing PIM, all privileged roles became eligible rather than permanent. MFA was required for every activation, and manager approval was introduced for critical roles.
When auditors returned, they praised the firm’s improved governance, and the IT team could demonstrate that no privileged account was ever left exposed. This example highlights how PIM not only strengthens security but also helps organizations stay compliant and earn leadership’s trust.
Best Practices for Admins
- Apply PIM first to the most sensitive roles, such as Global Admin.
- Require MFA for every role activation, no exceptions.
- Use approval workflows for high-risk roles.
- Keep activation windows short to minimize exposure.
- Regularly review audit logs and remove unused eligible assignments.
Conclusion
Privileged Identity Management in Azure AD replaces risky permanent privileges with just-in-time access that is secure, auditable, and flexible.
For administrators, it’s a must-have tool for reducing identity risk and enforcing least privilege. For recruiters, PIM experience shows that you are not only managing identities but also protecting the business’s most critical accounts in line with security and compliance standards.
In short, knowing how to deploy and manage PIM sets you apart as an administrator who understands both the technical and strategic sides of identity security — and that’s exactly the type of professional organizations are hiring for today.