CyberArk Conjur vs. BastionZero

A robust open-source interface designed for secure authentication, management, and auditing of non-human access across multiple tools, applications, containers, and cloud environments is crucial for effective secrets management. These secrets are essential for accessing various applications, critical infrastructure, and other sensitive data. Conjur strengthens this security framework by implementing strict Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to manage secrets effectively. When an application requests access to a resource, Conjur first verifies the application's identity, followed by an assessment of its authorization based on the defined security policy, before securely delivering the required secret. The architecture of Conjur operates on the principle of treating security policies as code, with these policies documented in .yml files, version-controlled, and uploaded to the Conjur server. This methodology elevates the importance of security policy to that of other elements in source control, promoting greater transparency and collaboration regarding the security practices of the organization. Moreover, the capability to version control security policies not only simplifies updates and reviews but also significantly bolsters the overall security posture of the organization, ensuring that security remains a priority at all levels. In this way, Conjur contributes to a comprehensive approach to managing sensitive information securely and efficiently.

Infrastructure teams encounter various obstacles, including unwieldy VPNs, personalized bastion hosts, over-privileged certificate authorities, and enduring credentials that can lead to serious security vulnerabilities. Nonetheless, these teams have the capability to establish, monitor, and safeguard precise access controls for their infrastructure assets across both cloud-based and on-premises settings. By utilizing a centralized platform for accessing all targets—such as servers, containers, clusters, databases, and web servers—organizations can simplify the management of an ever-growing variety of systems. Adopting a zero-trust access model allows for the protection of targets behind a Single Sign-On (SSO) system while further enhancing security through a distinct Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) mechanism. Say goodbye to the complexities of password management by leveraging policies that determine which users can access specific resources based on their roles or accounts. In addition, it is crucial to monitor the exact commands executed by users on any target linked to their respective roles or accounts, facilitated by BastionZero’s extensive access logs, command logs, and session recordings, thereby ensuring both security and accountability in infrastructure management. This methodology not only fortifies security but also improves operational efficiency for infrastructure teams, facilitating a more streamlined and secure workflow. Ultimately, adopting such advanced strategies can significantly enhance the overall resilience of an organization’s infrastructure.