CyberArk vs BeyondTrust -- PAM & Identity Compared

CyberArk vs BeyondTrust

BeyondTrust competes directly with CyberArk in the enterprise PAM space, offering a strong combination of privileged access management and endpoint privilege management. While CyberArk has deeper PAM heritage and broader identity security features, BeyondTrust differentiates with its integrated secure remote access and endpoint privilege management capabilities.

The Verdict

BeyondTrust is the strongest alternative to CyberArk for organizations that prioritize endpoint privilege management and third-party remote access alongside traditional PAM. CyberArk remains the choice for those needing the broadest identity security platform and deepest PAM maturity.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureBeyondTrustCyberArk
Credential VaultingStrong vault with auto-rotationIndustry-leading Digital Vault
Endpoint Privilege ManagementBuilt-in EPM with granular controlsAvailable as separate EPM module
Secure Remote AccessIntegrated PRA solutionVendor Privileged Access Manager
Session MonitoringFull session recording and auditComprehensive PSM with keystroke logging
Secrets ManagementBasic secrets capabilitiesFull-featured Conjur platform
Cloud PAMCloud-based management consoleCyberArk Privilege Cloud
Threat AnalyticsPrivileged threat analytics moduleAdvanced threat detection with ML
Identity GovernanceLimited identity governanceComprehensive identity security platform

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose BeyondTrust when:

  • +You need integrated endpoint privilege management alongside PAM
  • +Secure remote access for third-party vendors is a primary requirement
  • +You want a more unified platform rather than separate modules
  • +Least privilege enforcement on endpoints is a top priority
  • +You prefer a single vendor for PAM and remote access

Choose CyberArk when:

  • +You need the deepest and most mature PAM capabilities available
  • +Identity governance and cloud entitlements are part of your requirements
  • +You operate in highly regulated industries requiring proven compliance
  • +You need secrets management integrated with PAM (Conjur)
  • +Your environment requires the broadest integration ecosystem

Pros & Cons Comparison

BeyondTrust

Pros

  • +Strong endpoint privilege management capabilities
  • +Unified platform for PAM and remote access
  • +Good vendor/third-party access controls
  • +Comprehensive audit and compliance reporting
  • +Active Directory integration depth

Cons

  • Complex initial deployment
  • Premium pricing for full platform
  • UI can feel dated in some modules
  • Integration between acquired products can be uneven

CyberArk

Pros

  • +Industry-leading PAM solution
  • +Comprehensive privilege management
  • +Strong compliance and audit capabilities
  • +Deep enterprise integration ecosystem
  • +Proven in highly regulated industries

Cons

  • Complex deployment and configuration
  • Expensive licensing model
  • Steep learning curve for administrators
  • Legacy architecture in some components
  • Long implementation timelines

CyberArk vs BeyondTrust FAQ

Common questions about choosing between CyberArk and BeyondTrust.

What is the main difference between CyberArk and BeyondTrust?

BeyondTrust competes directly with CyberArk in the enterprise PAM space, offering a strong combination of privileged access management and endpoint privilege management. While CyberArk has deeper PAM heritage and broader identity security features, BeyondTrust differentiates with its integrated secure remote access and endpoint privilege management capabilities.

Is BeyondTrust better than CyberArk?

BeyondTrust is the strongest alternative to CyberArk for organizations that prioritize endpoint privilege management and third-party remote access alongside traditional PAM. CyberArk remains the choice for those needing the broadest identity security platform and deepest PAM maturity.

How much does BeyondTrust cost compared to CyberArk?

BeyondTrust pricing: Custom enterprise pricing. CyberArk pricing: Custom enterprise pricing / From $2/user/month (basic). BeyondTrust's pricing model is per-user subscription + modules, while CyberArk uses per-user subscription + modules pricing.

Can I migrate from CyberArk to BeyondTrust?

Yes, you can migrate from CyberArk to BeyondTrust. The migration process depends on your specific setup and the features you use. Both platforms offer APIs that can facilitate automated migration. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition to ensure zero downtime.

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