---

name: implementing-privileged-access-workstation description: Design and implement Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs) using the tiered administration model, with device hardening, device compliance enforcement via Microsoft Intune or Group Policy, just-in-time (JIT) access provisioning, and integration with PAM platforms like CyberArk or BeyondTrust. Use when hardening admin endpoints, designing a tiered administration model, or securing privileged administrative operations. domain: cybersecurity subdomain: identity-and-access-management tags:

• privileged-access
• PAW
• zero-trust
• device-hardening
• CyberArk
• BeyondTrust
• just-in-time-access version: '1.0' author: mahipal license: Apache-2.0 nist_csf:
• PR.AA-01
• PR.AA-02
• PR.AA-05 mitre_attack:
• T1078
• T1190
• T1059

---

Implementing Privileged Access Workstation

Overview

A Privileged Access Workstation (PAW) is a hardened device dedicated to performing sensitive administrative tasks. This skill covers PAW design using the tiered administration model, device compliance enforcement via Microsoft Intune or Group Policy, just-in-time (JIT) access provisioning, and integration with privileged access management (PAM) platforms like CyberArk and BeyondTrust.

When to Use

• When deploying or configuring implementing privileged access workstation capabilities in your environment
• When establishing security controls aligned to compliance requirements
• When building or improving security architecture for this domain
• When conducting security assessments that require this implementation

Prerequisites

• Windows 10/11 Enterprise with Virtualization Based Security (VBS)
• Microsoft Intune or Active Directory Group Policy
• CyberArk Privileged Access Security or BeyondTrust Password Safe (optional)
• Python 3.9+ with requests, subprocess, json
• Administrative access to target endpoints

Steps

1. Audit current privileged access patterns and identify Tier 0/1/2 assets
2. Configure device hardening baselines (AppLocker, Credential Guard, Device Guard)
3. Enforce compliance policies via Intune or GPO
4. Implement just-in-time access with time-limited admin group membership
5. Integrate with CyberArk/BeyondTrust for credential vaulting
6. Validate PAW configuration against CIS and Microsoft PAW guidance
7. Monitor privileged sessions and generate compliance reports

Expected Output

• JSON report listing device compliance status, hardening checks, JIT access windows, and PAM integration verification
• Risk scoring per workstation with remediation recommendations