Privileged Access Management (PAM) Audit Checklist [FREE PDF]

This privileged access management (pam) audit checklist ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-53 AC-2 Account Management requirements. IT security and compliance teams use this checklist to assess controls, identify gaps, and demonstrate regulatory compliance to customers and auditors.

  • Industry: Technology / Corporate
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
  • Role: IT Security Manager
  • Total Items: 17
  • Compliance: NIST SP 800-53 AC-2 Account Management, CIS Controls v8 Privileged Access, ISO 27001:2022 A.8.18 Privileged Access, SOC 2 CC6.1 Logical Access

Documentation and Policy Review

Verify foundational documentation and policy compliance.

  • Relevant security policy documented and approved by management?
  • Policy reviewed and updated within past 12 months?
  • Procedures documented for all policy requirements?
  • Roles and responsibilities clearly assigned?

Technical Control Assessment

Evaluate technical controls implementation.

  • Primary technical controls implemented and operational?
  • Monitoring and alerting configured for this control domain?
  • Access controls appropriately restrictive?
  • Audit logging enabled and logs retained per policy?
  • Sensitive data encrypted at rest and in transit?

Testing and Validation

Verify controls are tested and functioning as designed.

  • Controls tested within past assessment period?
  • Test results documented and reviewed?
  • Control exceptions formally documented with risk acceptance?
  • Third-party assessment or audit findings reviewed?

Findings and Remediation

Document gaps and remediation actions.

  • All control gaps logged in risk register?
  • Remediation timelines assigned based on severity?
  • High-severity findings escalated to CISO/management?
  • Privileged Access Management (PAM) Audit Checklist findings and next steps

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Why Use This Privileged Access Management (PAM) Audit Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This privileged access management (pam) audit checklist [free pdf] helps technology / corporate teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for it security manager professionals, this checklist covers 17 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.

Ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-53 AC-2 Account Management, CIS Controls v8 Privileged Access, ISO 27001:2022 A.8.18 Privileged Access, SOC 2 CC6.1 Logical Access. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Privileged Access Management (PAM) Audit Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 17 inspection items across 4 sections: Documentation and Policy Review, Technical Control Assessment, Testing and Validation, Findings and Remediation. It is designed for technology / corporate operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Who should use this Privileged Access Management (PAM) Audit Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for IT Security Manager professionals in the technology / corporate industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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