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Privileged accounts are the keys to an organization’s most sensitive systems. They provide access to databases, servers, firewalls, financial systems, cloud platforms, and administrative tools. If attackers gain control over a privileged account, they can bypass security controls, steal sensitive data, deploy ransomware, or disrupt operations entirely.
This makes Privileged Access Management (PAM) one of the most important cybersecurity controls for businesses in Iraq, especially those operating in banking, oil and gas, healthcare, telecom, manufacturing, and government sectors.
In this article, Osous Al Taqnia explains why PAM is essential, how privileged accounts are exploited, and the steps Iraqi organizations can take to secure their high-level access.
Iraq’s digital transformation has expanded the number of privileged accounts within organizations. Admins now manage:
While necessary, these accounts also introduce high risk.
Attackers use stolen admin accounts to disable security tools before deploying ransomware.
Many Iraqi companies do not know how many privileged accounts exist or who is using them.
Multiple admins often share the same credentials, making accountability impossible.
Default passwords or reused passwords are still common.
Disgruntled employees or contractors may misuse elevated access.
External technicians often receive temporary admin access without monitoring.
Privileged accounts are a prime target because they enable attackers to do maximum damage in minimal time.
A financial services firm in Baghdad experienced unusual activity on one of its core banking servers.
Our team quickly initiated a PAM investigation:
Without PAM oversight, the unauthorized access may have continued unnoticed.
Privileged Access Management is a security framework that controls, monitors, and protects accounts with elevated access.
PAM ensures that:
PAM is essential for both internal and external cybersecurity threats.
Organizations must first identify all privileged accounts, including:
Many Iraqi businesses are surprised to learn they have more than they realized.
Passwords for admin accounts should never be stored in:
PAM solutions store passwords in an encrypted vault and rotate them automatically.
Users receive the minimum access required to do their job.
Instead of permanent admin rights, access is granted temporarily.
JIT significantly reduces the window of opportunity for attackers.
PAM solutions record privileged sessions for investigation.
This is particularly useful for organizations in finance or oil and gas.
Passwords are changed automatically after each use or after a defined period.
This prevents attackers from using stolen credentials.
Admin accounts should never rely on passwords alone.
As Iraqi companies expand their digital footprint, PAM becomes essential for:
Azure VRFs, Microsoft 365, AWS admin accounts.
Oil field control systems, SCADA, and OT networks.
Admin access from outside Baghdad or Basra must be restricted.
External vendors must be tightly controlled.
We discover and categorize all privileged accounts.
We deploy PAM tools aligned with your infrastructure and compliance needs.
We develop least-privilege policies and access control workflows.
Suspicious privileged account activity is monitored 24/7.
We train your team to manage PAM securely and efficiently.
Privileged accounts are the number one target for attackers. If a hacker gains access to an admin account, they can take complete control of your systems.
Osous Al Taqnia helps Iraqi businesses secure their privileged accounts with comprehensive PAM solutions. Book a consultation with our cybersecurity experts
Strong identity security begins with strong privileged access controls.
6th Floor, The Meydan Hotel, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai
Villa S 11/5, Atconz, Erbil
62nd St, Baghdad
