CyberArk vs SailPoint -- PAM & Identity Compared

CyberArk vs SailPoint

SailPoint and CyberArk address different but complementary aspects of identity security. SailPoint leads in identity governance and administration (IGA), while CyberArk leads in privileged access management. Many enterprises deploy both. SailPoint is an alternative when the primary need is governance, certification, and lifecycle management rather than privileged credential control.

The Verdict

SailPoint is the right choice when identity governance, access certification, and lifecycle management are the primary drivers. CyberArk is essential when privileged access control and credential management are the core requirements. Many enterprises benefit from deploying both in tandem.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureSailPointCyberArk
Identity GovernanceMarket-leading IGA platformGrowing identity security features
Access CertificationsAI-driven automated certificationsBasic access review capabilities
Privileged AccessLimited PAM (requires integration)Industry-leading PAM platform
Role ManagementAdvanced role mining and modelingRole-based privileged access
Lifecycle ManagementFull joiner-mover-leaver automationPrivileged account lifecycle
SoD EnforcementComprehensive SoD policiesPrivilege separation controls
Application Connectors500+ application connectorsFocused on privileged system integrations
AI/ML CapabilitiesAI-driven insights and automationBehavioral analytics for threats

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose SailPoint when:

  • +Your primary need is identity governance and access certification
  • +You need AI-driven access recommendations and role mining
  • +Compliance-driven access reviews are the main requirement
  • +Identity lifecycle management across all applications is critical
  • +You need to govern both privileged and non-privileged access holistically

Choose CyberArk when:

  • +Privileged credential vaulting and session management are the top priority
  • +You need direct control over privileged accounts and sessions
  • +Secrets management for DevOps pipelines is required
  • +Just-in-time privileged access elevation is a key use case
  • +You need endpoint privilege management capabilities

Pros & Cons Comparison

SailPoint

Pros

  • +Market-leading identity governance capabilities
  • +AI-powered access insights and recommendations
  • +Broad application connector library
  • +Strong compliance and certification workflows
  • +Proven in large enterprise deployments

Cons

  • Not a PAM solution - limited privileged access features
  • Expensive for smaller organizations
  • Complex implementation for full deployment
  • Requires CyberArk or similar for privileged access controls

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 SailPoint FAQ

Common questions about choosing between CyberArk and SailPoint.

What is the main difference between CyberArk and SailPoint?

SailPoint and CyberArk address different but complementary aspects of identity security. SailPoint leads in identity governance and administration (IGA), while CyberArk leads in privileged access management. Many enterprises deploy both. SailPoint is an alternative when the primary need is governance, certification, and lifecycle management rather than privileged credential control.

Is SailPoint better than CyberArk?

SailPoint is the right choice when identity governance, access certification, and lifecycle management are the primary drivers. CyberArk is essential when privileged access control and credential management are the core requirements. Many enterprises benefit from deploying both in tandem.

How much does SailPoint cost compared to CyberArk?

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

Can I migrate from CyberArk to SailPoint?

Yes, you can migrate from CyberArk to SailPoint. 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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