CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager

Basic Information

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager (EPM) is an endpoint privilege security solution designed to enforce role-specific least privilege across Windows, macOS, and Linux workstations and servers. It aims to reduce cyber risks by establishing foundational endpoint security controls, defending against ransomware and credential compromise, and safeguarding critical endpoint security agents.

• Model: Endpoint Privilege Manager (EPM)
• Version: SaaS agent versions follow an X.Y.Z format. The latest stable version is frequently updated, with recent documentation referencing Version 25.11.0.
• Release Date: New agent versions are typically released approximately every other month for Windows, and roughly monthly for macOS and Linux.
• Minimum Requirements: EPM agents are lightweight, requiring minimal endpoint resources.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Windows: Windows 10 (x32 & x64), Windows 11 (x64), Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2025. Limited support is provided for outdated Windows versions (e.g., Windows 7, 8.1, Server 2012/R2) on a case-by-case basis.
  • macOS: macOS Big Sur 11.0 (EPM v11.5.1 and higher), macOS Monterey 12 (EPM agent 11.5.4 and higher), macOS Ventura 13 (EPM agent 11.5.5 and higher), macOS Sonoma 14, macOS Sequoia 15 (EPM v24.10 and later), macOS Tahoe 26 (EPM v25.9.0 and later).
  • Linux: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 7, 8, 9; SUSE Linux Enterprise 12, 15; Amazon Linux 2, 2023; Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, 20.04 LTS, 22.04 LTS, 24.04 LTS; Oracle Linux 7, 8, 9; Cloud Linux 8.
• Latest Stable Version: EPM SaaS Version 25.11.0.
• End of Support Date:
  • EPM On-premises: December 31, 2023 (End-of-Life).
  • EPM SaaS Agents: Support typically lasts approximately one year from the release date for each version. For example, version 25.10 has an End of Support Date of October 2026.
  • On-Demand Privileges Manager (OPM) for Linux: June 30, 2025 (End of Support and End of Life).
• End of Life Date:
  • EPM On-premises: December 31, 2023.
  • On-Demand Privileges Manager (OPM) for Linux: June 30, 2025.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not explicitly specified, but CyberArk recommends keeping agents updated to the latest version for optimal functionality and security.
• License Type: Subscription license, typically per endpoint (workstation or server).
• Deployment Model: Primarily Software as a Service (SaaS). The on-premises deployment model for EPM reached End-of-Life on December 31, 2023, with CyberArk recommending migration to the SaaS solution.

Technical Requirements

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager agents are designed for minimal impact on endpoint resources.

• RAM: Between 20 and 50 MB, depending on the number of policies.
• Processor: Less than 1% of CPU load on average. Compatible with x86-64, x86 (Intel, VIA, AMD), and ARM64 architectures (e.g., Apple M1 devices, Windows ARM64).
• Storage: Approximately 100 MB for Windows and macOS agents. Approximately 300 MB for RHEL, SUSE, Amazon Linux, Oracle Linux, and Cloud Linux agents. Approximately 500 MB for Ubuntu agents.
• Display: Not a primary requirement for agent operation.
• Ports: EPM agents periodically communicate with the EPM service. Specific port requirements are typically outbound to the SaaS service and are managed by network configurations.
• Operating System: As listed in the Basic Information section, including specific .NET Framework prerequisites for Windows agents (.NET 4.6.2 or higher).

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for CyberArk EPM agents are very low, indicating an efficient design that minimizes performance overhead on endpoints. This low resource consumption makes it suitable for deployment across a wide range of devices without significantly impacting user experience or system performance. The broad processor compatibility, including ARM64, ensures support for modern hardware. The primary technical considerations revolve around ensuring the correct .NET Framework version for Windows endpoints and network connectivity to the SaaS service.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: EPM SaaS Version 25.11.0.
• OS Support: Comprehensive support for current versions of Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions. CyberArk recommends using the most updated operating system. Limited support may be provided for outdated Windows versions, but upgrading is strongly advised.
• End of Support Date: EPM on-premises is End-of-Life as of December 31, 2023. EPM SaaS agent versions typically have a support lifecycle of approximately one year.
• Localization: While not explicitly detailed, CyberArk is a global company, suggesting multi-language support for its console and documentation.
• Available Drivers: As a software agent, EPM does not typically require separate hardware drivers. It integrates at the operating system level.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager demonstrates strong support for a wide array of modern operating systems, ensuring broad compatibility for enterprise environments. The shift from an on-premises model to a SaaS-first approach, with the on-premises version reaching End-of-Life, highlights CyberArk's commitment to cloud-delivered security and continuous updates. Regular agent releases ensure ongoing compatibility with evolving OS versions and provide timely feature enhancements and security fixes. The established end-of-support timelines for SaaS agents, typically around one year, necessitate a consistent update strategy for organizations to maintain full support and leverage the latest capabilities.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Enforces least privilege and removes local administrator rights.
  • Advanced application control with dynamic allowlists and denylisting.
  • Ransomware and zero-day attack protection, including defense against payload execution and tampering with security agents.
  • Just-In-Time (JIT) elevation for privileged tasks under defined conditions.
  • Defends against credential compromise and browser-targeting attacks (e.g., memory dumping, password/cookie stealing, session hijacking).
  • Centralized auditing and visibility with detailed compliance reports.
  • Enables Zero Trust principles on endpoints.
• Known Vulnerabilities: CyberArk regularly releases security fixes and recommends upgrading to the latest version/patch release.
• Blacklist Status: No specific blacklist status is publicly available.
• Certifications: EPM SaaS services are hosted on SOC 2 Type II certified datacenters. CyberArk is seeking FedRAMP authorization for EPM SaaS.
• Encryption Support: All data transferred between EPM agents and the EPM service is encrypted in transit using TLS. Policies and user data are cached locally on endpoints, preserving security.
• Authentication Methods: Supports Single Sign-On (SSO) for the EPM administration console via standard SAML 2.0 protocol, integrating with identity providers like Azure AD.
• General Recommendations: Implement a strategy to remove local administrator rights, enforce least privilege, deploy ransomware protection policies, and configure application controls to restrict internet-downloaded applications.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager offers a robust security posture, acting as a critical component in an organization's identity security platform. Its core strength lies in enforcing the principle of least privilege, effectively removing unnecessary local admin rights and controlling application execution. The solution's proactive defense mechanisms against ransomware, credential theft, and browser-targeting attacks, combined with its application control capabilities, significantly reduce the endpoint attack surface. The SaaS deployment model benefits from SOC 2 Type II certified infrastructure and encrypted communications, further enhancing data security. While specific vulnerability details are not public, CyberArk's commitment to regular security updates and adherence to industry standards like SAML 2.0 for authentication underscore a strong focus on maintaining a secure environment.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific industry benchmark scores are not readily available in public documentation.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: EPM agents are designed for low resource consumption:
  • CPU: Less than 1% on average.
  • RAM: Between 20 and 50 MB.
  • Disk Space: Approximately 100-500 MB, depending on the operating system.
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly detailed, but the low CPU and RAM usage suggest minimal impact on device power consumption.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed, but low resource usage contributes to a reduced operational carbon footprint compared to more resource-intensive solutions.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Competitors include BeyondTrust, Delinea (formerly Thycotic/Centrify), Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, SentinelOne Singularity Complete, Cortex XDR, ThreatLocker, and ManageEngine Application Control Plus. EPM is recognized for its robust least privilege management and advanced threat protection, effectively combining application control with privilege elevation. It is noted for its scalability and ease of integration. Some users observe that EPM lacks recording capabilities found in certain competing products.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager agents exhibit excellent performance characteristics, with minimal impact on endpoint CPU, RAM, and disk resources. This efficiency ensures that security measures do not hinder user productivity or system responsiveness. While formal benchmark scores are not publicly disclosed, the reported low resource utilization is a strong indicator of optimized performance. In comparison to similar assets, EPM stands out for its specialized focus on least privilege and application control, offering a streamlined approach to endpoint security. Its scalability allows for effective management across thousands of endpoints. The absence of recording capabilities, present in some competitors, might be a consideration for organizations requiring detailed session monitoring.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager is largely positive, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing endpoint security and streamlining IT operations.

• Strengths:
  • Easy deployment and configuration, with straightforward initial setup.
  • Highly effective in enforcing least privilege and removing local admin rights without disrupting user experience.
  • Improves an organization's security posture and helps meet compliance requirements.
  • Scalable architecture, capable of managing thousands of endpoints.
  • Good documentation and easy integration with existing systems like Active Directory and Azure Entra-ID.
  • Allows granular control over privileges and applications.
• Weaknesses:
  • The on-premises version is End-of-Life, requiring migration to SaaS.
  • Some features available in the self-hosted version are not supported in the SaaS version (e.g., integration with certain third-party analysis tools like Palo Alto).
  • The agent user interface could be more informative or modernized.
  • Lacks recording capabilities for user activity, which some competitors offer.
  • Some users express a desire for broader functionality, such as pure EDR tasks or User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA).
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Removing local administrator rights from endpoints.
  • Enforcing the principle of least privilege for all users.
  • Protecting against ransomware and other advanced threats.
  • Controlling which applications can run on endpoints (application control).
  • Enabling Just-In-Time (JIT) elevation for specific privileged tasks.
  • Managing privileged access for employees and third-party vendors.
  • Achieving and maintaining compliance with various regulatory standards.

Summary

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager (EPM) is a highly effective solution for enforcing endpoint privilege security, central to a modern Zero Trust strategy. Its primary strength lies in its ability to remove local administrator rights and enforce least privilege across Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints without hindering user productivity. Key features include advanced application control, Just-In-Time (JIT) elevation, and robust protection against ransomware and credential theft. The solution's SaaS deployment model leverages SOC 2 Type II certified infrastructure, ensuring high availability and secure data handling with in-transit encryption. EPM agents are remarkably lightweight, consuming minimal CPU, RAM, and storage, which contributes to excellent real-world performance and broad compatibility across diverse endpoint hardware.

While EPM excels in its core mission, some areas for improvement exist. The deprecation of the on-premises version necessitates migration to SaaS, which, while offering benefits, may present a transition for some organizations. Users have noted that certain features available in the legacy self-hosted version might not be present in the SaaS offering, and some desire broader functionality to include pure EDR or UEBA capabilities. Additionally, the absence of built-in session recording, a feature found in some competing products, could be a drawback for specific compliance or auditing requirements.

Overall, CyberArk EPM is a mature, scalable, and user-friendly solution that significantly enhances endpoint security posture, reduces attack surfaces, and aids in compliance. It is particularly recommended for organizations seeking to rigorously enforce least privilege, control application execution, and protect against advanced endpoint threats without compromising user experience. Its strong integration capabilities and continuous development make it a valuable asset for enterprise asset management.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.