CyberArk vs StrongDM -- PAM & Identity Compared
StrongDM focuses on providing seamless, auditable infrastructure access by acting as a transparent proxy between users and resources. Unlike CyberArk's credential-centric approach, StrongDM prioritizes minimal workflow disruption and complete audit logging. It excels for teams that need strong access controls without changing how developers work.
StrongDM is ideal for organizations that want auditable infrastructure access with minimal friction for developers. It does not replace traditional PAM but excels as a modern access layer. Choose CyberArk when you need full credential lifecycle management and enterprise-grade PAM compliance.
| Feature | StrongDM | CyberArk |
|---|---|---|
| Access Model | Transparent proxy, native tools | Credential vault and checkout |
| Audit Logging | Query-level logging for all access | Session recording and keystroke logging |
| Database Access | Native DB client with full audit | Credential-based DB access mgmt |
| SSH/Server Access | Proxy-based SSH with audit | PSM-based SSH with recording |
| Deployment Complexity | Simple SaaS with relay agents | Complex multi-component deployment |
| Credential Management | No credential vaulting | Industry-leading credential vault |
| Kubernetes Access | K8s access via proxy | K8s secrets via Conjur |
| User Experience | Use existing tools and clients | Requires CyberArk client or web portal |
Common questions about choosing between CyberArk and StrongDM.
StrongDM focuses on providing seamless, auditable infrastructure access by acting as a transparent proxy between users and resources. Unlike CyberArk's credential-centric approach, StrongDM prioritizes minimal workflow disruption and complete audit logging. It excels for teams that need strong access controls without changing how developers work.
StrongDM is ideal for organizations that want auditable infrastructure access with minimal friction for developers. It does not replace traditional PAM but excels as a modern access layer. Choose CyberArk when you need full credential lifecycle management and enterprise-grade PAM compliance.
StrongDM pricing: From $70/user/month. CyberArk pricing: Custom enterprise pricing / From $2/user/month (basic). StrongDM's pricing model is per-user subscription, while CyberArk uses per-user subscription + modules pricing.
Yes, you can migrate from CyberArk to StrongDM. 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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