CyberArk → BeyondTrust PAM migration playbook
Migrate from CyberArk to BeyondTrust — typically driven by TCO, deployment complexity, or BeyondTrust's endpoint privilege strength.
TL;DR
CyberArk + BeyondTrust are both Tier-1 PAM. Migrations happen but rarely; usually driven by TCO, deployment-complexity preference, or BeyondTrust's endpoint privilege manager strengths. Timeline 9-18 months given PAM operational risk.
CyberArk
BeyondTrust
Typical timeline
9-18 months — must not lose privileged access
Why teams move
- CyberArk TCO under review
- BeyondTrust endpoint privilege manager preference
- Deployment + operational complexity reduction
- Vendor consolidation if BeyondTrust covers other needs
The migration in 4 phases.
1. Phase 1 — Discovery
8-12 weeks
- CyberArk inventory
- Custom integrations + workflows mapped
- BeyondTrust deployment topology
2. Phase 2 — BeyondTrust foundation
12-16 weeks
- BeyondTrust deployed
- Policies + safes designed
- Session monitoring + JIT
3. Phase 3 — Credential migration
6-12 months
- Credentials migrated in batches with rotation
4. Phase 4 — Decommission CyberArk
2-3 months
- CyberArk retired
What lives where.
| Capability | Source (CyberArk) | Target (BeyondTrust) |
|---|---|---|
| Credential vault | CyberArk Vault | BeyondTrust Password Safe |
| Session monitoring | CyberArk PSM | BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access |
| Endpoint privilege | CyberArk EPM | BeyondTrust Privilege Management for Windows/Mac/Unix |
| JIT | CyberArk JIT | BeyondTrust Privileged Access Management |
What moves, what doesn’t.
Secrets export + rotation
Same rule as Delinea → CyberArk: don't direct-migrate secret values. Rotate each as it transitions.
Session recordings
Historical CyberArk recordings stay read-only for audit lookback.
The 7-step cutover.
- 01Coexistence window — both vaults operational
- 02Per-system credential migration with rotation
- 03Custom integrations re-implemented (not direct port)
- 04CyberArk retained read-only for audit lookback
What teams find out the hard way.
Don't lose access during migration
Every credential retrievable from somewhere at all times. Plan rotation windows + break-glass procedures.
Custom integrations
Both platforms have rich integration ecosystems; custom scripts must be re-implemented.
Audit continuity
Auditors expect uninterrupted PAM evidence. Plan the audit narrative carefully.
Questions we get on this migration.
Why move from CyberArk?
Most often TCO + operational complexity. CyberArk is deep but operationally heavy.
We’ve led this migration. More than once.
Engagement starts with a 90-minute discovery call — we tell you what we’d actually do, with timeline + risk register. No commitment.