Privileged Remote Access

Basic Information

BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access (PRA) is a solution designed to secure, manage, and audit privileged remote access for internal administrators, third-party vendors, and OT systems. It operates as an appliance-based solution, available in physical, virtual, or cloud deployments.

• Model: Appliance-based (physical, virtual, or cloud)
• Version: Latest stable version is 25.2.2 (released October 2025).
• Release Date: Major versions are released periodically, with maintenance releases throughout the year. For example, version 25.2.1 was released on September 9, 2025.
• Minimum Requirements: For virtual appliances, at least 4GB RAM and 140GB storage (32GB for OS, 100GB for logs/recordings) are typical.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • **Access Console/Jump Client:** Windows (7, 10, 11, Server 2016-2025), macOS (10.14-14 Sonoma, x86 or Apple Silicon), Linux (Desktop, Server, Raspberry Pi, Fedora 35-36, RHEL 8.9, 9.3), Android (10-14), iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod).
  • **Virtual Appliance:** VMware vCenter 6.5+, Hyper-V 2012 R2+, Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Nutanix AHV 20190916.410+.
• Latest Stable Version: 25.2.2 (as of October 2025).
• End of Support Date: BeyondTrust supports each major product version for two years from its initial release date. Critical updates and security patches are provided within this window.
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly stated for BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access as a whole, but specific older products like "Privileged Identity" (a different product) had an EOL of March 31, 2025.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not explicitly defined as a fixed date; updates are provided within the two-year support window for major versions.
• License Type: Primarily subscription-based, often licensed per managed asset/endpoint. Perpetual licenses for appliances are also available.
• Deployment Model: On-premises (physical or virtual appliance) or cloud (SaaS, AWS-hosted).

Technical Requirements

BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access operates on an appliance model, with specific requirements for its virtual deployment options. The client-side components (Access Console and Jump Client) are broadly compatible across various operating systems.

• RAM: At least 4GB for virtual appliance deployments.
• Processor: Not explicitly detailed for the appliance, but typically requires modern multi-core processors for virtual environments.
• Storage: At least 140GB for virtual appliance deployments (32GB for OS, 100GB for logs and recordings). External IP SANs require 1Gbit or 10Gbit reserved network with 10K RPM disk or better.
• Display: Not specified for the appliance, but client consoles support standard display configurations. Multi-monitor support is available for remote desktop sessions.
• Ports: Outbound connections on port 443 are used for communication with the appliance.
• Operating System:
  • **Appliance Host:** VMware vCenter 6.5+, Hyper-V 2012 R2+, Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Nutanix AHV 20190916.410+.
  • **Client/Endpoint:** Windows (7, 10, 11, Server 2016-2025), macOS (10.14-14 Sonoma), Linux (Desktop, Server, Raspberry Pi, Fedora, RHEL), Android (10-14), iOS.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access are primarily focused on the appliance infrastructure, which can be virtualized or cloud-based. This offers flexibility in deployment, catering to various enterprise environments. The client-side requirements are minimal and support a wide range of common operating systems, including desktop, server, and mobile platforms. This broad compatibility ensures that privileged users and endpoints can connect effectively. The emphasis on outbound 443 traffic simplifies firewall configurations, eliminating the need for complex inbound port openings often associated with traditional remote access solutions.

Support & Compatibility

BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access offers extensive compatibility and support, ensuring broad applicability across diverse IT infrastructures.

• Latest Version: 25.2.2 (as of October 2025).
• OS Support:
  • **Client/Endpoint:** Windows (7, 10, 11, Server 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025), macOS (10.14 Mojave through 14 Sonoma, x86 and Apple Silicon), Linux (various distributions including Fedora, RHEL, Raspberry Pi), Android (10-14), iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod).
  • **Virtual Appliance:** VMware vCenter 6.5+, Hyper-V 2012 R2+, Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Nutanix AHV 20190916.410+.
• End of Support Date: Each major product version receives support for two years from its initial release date. BeyondTrust provides critical updates and security patches within this period.
• Localization: BeyondTrust applications and interfaces are available in multiple languages, including English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Polish, and Traditional Chinese. International character sets are supported.
• Available Drivers: Specific drivers are not typically required for the core functionality, as it relies on its own client applications (Jump Client, Access Console) and standard protocols (RDP, SSH, Telnet, VNC).

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access demonstrates strong support and compatibility across a wide array of platforms, from traditional Windows and macOS desktops to various Linux distributions, mobile devices, and virtualized environments. This broad support ensures that organizations can integrate PRA into their existing infrastructure without significant compatibility hurdles. The two-year support window for major versions, coupled with a fix-forward approach for bug and security fixes, indicates a commitment to maintaining product stability and security. The availability of multiple languages also enhances usability for global enterprises. The appliance-based architecture simplifies deployment and management, while the use of standard protocols and agent-based/agentless options provides flexibility for connecting to diverse endpoints.

Security Status

BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access is built with a strong focus on security, incorporating a Zero Trust Architecture and robust features to protect privileged access.

• Security Features: Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), consolidated access pathways, streamlined onboarding, one-click secure cloud access, session monitoring, management, and auditing, privileged password vaulting, credential injection, granular least privilege access controls, application-level microsegmentation, real-time activity monitoring, multi-factor authentication (MFA), FIDO2-certified passwordless authentication, and secure agent-based or agentless access.
• Known Vulnerabilities: BeyondTrust maintains a formal Vulnerability Management Plan, addressing vulnerabilities through scanning and penetration testing, with specific timeframes for mitigation based on criticality.
• Blacklist Status: No information found regarding a general blacklist status.
• Certifications: FIPS model available. FIDO2-certified authenticators are supported for passwordless login.
• Encryption Support: All session data is guarded by SSL encryption. Password vaults encrypt passwords.
• Authentication Methods: SAML, LDAP, FIDO2, RADIUS, Kerberos, multi-factor authentication, passwordless authentication.
• General Recommendations: BeyondTrust recommends following security best practices by running the latest supported versions of third-party operating systems for up-to-date security. It also advises patching smart and staying current, with an option to automatically apply critical updates for on-prem deployments.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access exhibits a high overall security rating due to its foundational Zero Trust Architecture and comprehensive suite of security features. The solution enforces granular least privilege access, preventing unauthorized lateral movement and ensuring that users only access resources for which they are explicitly authorized. Strong authentication methods, including MFA and FIDO2 passwordless options, reduce the risk of credential compromise. Session monitoring, recording, and auditing provide complete visibility and accountability, crucial for compliance and forensic analysis. The use of SSL encryption for all session data and the availability of FIPS-certified models further bolster its security posture. BeyondTrust's proactive vulnerability management plan demonstrates a commitment to addressing potential security weaknesses.

Performance & Benchmarks

BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access is designed for efficient and scalable performance in enterprise environments.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific public benchmark scores are not readily available.
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • **Endpoint Capacity:** Up to 250,000 endpoints with BeyondTrust Cloud (Atlas), and up to 125,000 endpoints with virtual appliances (dependent on self-managed infrastructure).
  • **User Capacity:** Up to 3,000 concurrent users with BeyondTrust Cloud (Atlas), and up to 1,200 concurrent users with virtual appliances.
  • **Session Performance:** Enhanced performance for screen sharing, file transfer, and remote shell when the connection bypasses the B Series Appliance.
  • **Reliability:** Users describe it as an "extremely reliable and secure solution."
• Power Consumption: Not specified, as it depends on the underlying hardware for physical appliances or the virtualized environment.
• Carbon Footprint: Not specified, as it depends on the deployment model (on-premises hardware vs. cloud provider efficiency).
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Users often compare it favorably to traditional VPNs, noting its ability to provide secure, audited remote access without VPN requirements. It is ranked among top Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Remote Access solutions.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access demonstrates robust performance capabilities, particularly in scalability for large enterprise deployments, supporting a high number of endpoints and concurrent users. Its architecture, which allows for direct connections that bypass the appliance for certain session types, can enhance performance for interactive tasks like screen sharing and file transfers. The solution is consistently praised by users for its reliability and efficiency in managing remote access. By eliminating the need for VPNs, it streamlines access and can improve overall user experience and productivity. While specific power consumption and carbon footprint data are not provided (as they are dependent on deployment choices), the efficient management of remote sessions and reduced reliance on VPN infrastructure can contribute to optimized resource utilization.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews for BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access highlight its effectiveness in securing remote access and improving operational efficiency.

• Strengths:
  • **Security:** Provides complete security for compliance, granular access control, session monitoring and recording, credential injection without exposing passwords, and multi-factor authentication. It aligns with Zero Trust principles.
  • **Ease of Use:** Users find it easy to use, saving significant time for IT teams.
  • **No VPN Required:** Eliminates the need for VPNs, simplifying secure access for internal users and third-party vendors.
  • **Auditing and Compliance:** Offers detailed audit trails, session forensics, and full session recording for compliance purposes.
  • **Integration:** Integrates well with Password Safe and directory services like Active Directory.
  • **Versatility:** Supports multiple protocols (RDP, SSH, Telnet, VNC) and works across heterogeneous OS environments (Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile).
  • **Reliability:** Described as an extremely reliable solution.
• Weaknesses:
  • **Complexity of Initial Setup:** Initial configuration and policy setup can be complex, especially in environments with multiple network segments or strict firewall rules.
  • **Web Interface Modernization:** The web interface could be more modern and responsive, particularly for managing a large number of users or sessions.
  • **Update Process:** Automation of the update process could be improved to reduce manual effort.
  • **Non-English Localization:** Quality control for non-English language versions needs improvement to avoid translation and layout errors.
  • **Integration with other BeyondTrust products:** Some users suggest smoother integration between BeyondTrust products like Password Safe for better manageability from a single point.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Securing remote access for internal IT administrators and third-party vendors.
  • Achieving compliance requirements through comprehensive auditing and session recording.
  • Managing access to critical IT systems, cloud applications, and OT systems.
  • Enhancing employee productivity with secure access and credential injection.
  • Replacing traditional VPNs for remote access.

Summary

BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access is a robust and highly secure solution for managing and auditing privileged remote access across diverse IT environments. Its core strength lies in its Zero Trust Architecture, which enforces granular least privilege access, multi-factor authentication, and comprehensive session monitoring and recording. This ensures a high level of security and compliance, making it a preferred choice for organizations needing to protect critical systems from internal and external threats.

The asset boasts extensive compatibility, supporting a wide range of operating systems for both its client components (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS) and its appliance deployments (VMware, Hyper-V, AWS, Azure). This versatility allows for seamless integration into existing infrastructures and supports various deployment models, including on-premises and cloud. Users consistently praise its reliability, ease of use, and its ability to eliminate the need for traditional VPNs, thereby enhancing productivity and simplifying remote access management.

While the initial setup and policy configuration can be complex, and some users desire a more modern web interface and improved update automation, these are generally considered minor drawbacks compared to the significant security and operational benefits. The product's strong focus on security features like credential injection, application-level microsegmentation, and continuous vulnerability management underscores its commitment to protecting privileged pathways.

In summary, BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access is an enterprise-grade solution that excels in providing secure, auditable, and flexible remote access. It is particularly well-suited for organizations prioritizing stringent security controls, compliance, and efficient management of privileged users and third-party vendors accessing critical assets. Its continuous development, reflected in regular updates and a clear support lifecycle, ensures its relevance in an evolving threat landscape.

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.