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name: implementing-privileged-access-workstation description: Design and implement Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs) with device hardening, just-in-time access, and integration with CyberArk or BeyondTrust for secure 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

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.

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