Delinea Secret Server vs IBM Security Secret Server comparison

Why PeerSpot?

Delinea and IBM are both solutions in the Privileged Access Management (PAM) category. Delinea is ranked #7 with an average rating of 8.8, while IBM is ranked #20 with an average rating of 8.0. Delinea holds a 3.6% mindshare in PAM, compared to IBM’s 1.4% mindshare. Additionally, 90% of Delinea users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of IBM users who would recommend it.

Delinea Secret Server

Read 57 Delinea Secret Server reviews

7,829 Views
4,463 Comparison Views

90% willing to recommend

IBM Security Secret Server

Read 8 IBM Security Secret Server reviews

1,280 Views
1,267 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Delinea Secret Server

IBM Security Secret Server

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 6, 2024

Delinea Secret Server and IBM Security Secret Server are competitors in the secret management market. IBM Security Secret Server seems to have the upper hand due to its comprehensive features despite a higher cost.

Features: Delinea Secret Server offers strong integration capabilities, automation satisfaction, and ease of use. IBM Security Secret Server provides enhanced scalability, diverse functionalities, and superior security features.

Room for Improvement: Delinea Secret Server could improve reporting, streamline maintenance, and enhance server configurations. IBM Security Secret Server users seek better audit logging, simpler configuration settings, and expanded security features.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Delinea Secret Server is known for its straightforward deployment but noted for an initial learning curve. IBM Security Secret Server offers smooth onboarding and excellent support, giving it an edge in customer satisfaction.

Pricing and ROI: Delinea Secret Server presents a better initial cost suitable for smaller budgets with noticeable ROI. IBM Security Secret Server, though more expensive, is favored for long-term benefits and robust features, appealing to larger enterprises.

To learn more, read our detailed Delinea Secret Server vs. IBM Security Secret Server Report (Updated: August 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Delinea Secret Server vs. IBM Security Secret Server

August 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Delinea Secret Server

Ranking in Privileged Access Management (PAM)

7th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Enterprise Password Managers (10th), Secrets Management Tools (6th)

IBM Security Secret Server

Ranking in Privileged Access Management (PAM)

20th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

5.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of September 2026, in the Privileged Access Management (PAM) category, the mindshare of Delinea Secret Server is 3.6%, down from 7.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of IBM Security Secret Server is 1.4%, up from 1.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Privileged Access Management (PAM) Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Delinea Secret Server	3.6%
IBM Security Secret Server	1.4%
Other	95.0%

Privileged Access Management (PAM)

Featured Reviews

Satyam Panchal

Adjunct Assistant Professor at a university with 5,001-10,000 employees

Robust credential management has improved security and simplifies privileged access control

I would characterize common frustrations related to Delinea Secret Server rather than using the term dislike. One area is the complexity for the administrative part. While it is straightforward in core values, configuring advanced policies, custom templates, and other areas including discovery scans and detailed reporting have a steep learning curve and may require extra training. The user interface and terminology present another challenge. Some users feel that the user interface can feel dated or overly complex, with terminology around secrets and folder structures taking time to master. Pricing perception is another point where some costs are mixed, while many others find Delinea Secret Server more affordable and flexible than tier one competitors. However, smaller teams still view enterprise licensing as a significant investment. I have observed poor technical support, particularly in multiple reviews. The support can be slow, limited, and sometimes unhelpful when troubleshooting complex configurations or stability issues. Aggressive or untransparent sales practices also present a concern. Some customers on G2 have cited frustrations with hidden costs, such as unexpected EC2 instance fees and core features being unbundled or oversold during contract negotiation. Complex implementation and setup is another significant challenge. The initial configuration, deployment, and managing advanced policies or connectors requires specialized expertise that most organizations do not have, and the steep learning curve compounds this issue. Users transitioning to the cloud-hosted version frequently complain that the updated interface and permissions structure feel slow and problematic compared to the legacy on-premise setup. Integration and API challenges represent the final area of concern. The platform points out challenges with API tokenization and external system integration, and the lack of documentation is one of the key points I would highlight. This limitation affects the ability to integrate with external systems effectively.

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AsifIqbal

Chief Information Security Officer at a insurance company with 501-1,000 employees

Privileged access monitoring has strengthened identity control and improved security posture

I find the monitoring and recording parts of IBM Security Secret Server to be the most valuable features. Password vaulting is somewhat typical, but I rate monitoring and recording as very good features, along with ease of deployment. The reporting tools in IBM Security Secret Server have helped me identify vulnerabilities. From the monitoring part, you can somewhat cover the identity vulnerability aspect. However, for identity vulnerability, I think the best approach is to use IAM rather than PAM. It is easy to integrate IBM Security Secret Server with cybersecurity frameworks, which is a very important aspect. When we are improving our attack surface, identity is the most important thing that we need to cover, and PAM will play a very crucial role in improving our cybersecurity framework and architecture. The main benefits that IBM Security Secret Server provides for me include complete control over the privileged identities, which are the main sources that can have the privilege to make numerous changes on the system. If we protect these identities through PAM and provide elevation on their accounts when required, then we can improve our security posture and infrastructure security.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"One valuable feature is that it will support a dedicated database. Delinea provides multiple features, like reporting and remote password changes."

"The zero-trust PIN is a great feature of the solution."

"Secret Server has improved security, productivity and helped achieve a much higher state of compliance."

"Number one is the password vault; it's very good. Number two, they have a feature for remote desktops that are created on a per session basis, which is very good for security."

"Support is helpful."

"The ability to give some groups access to different kind of databases with the storage of a password is the most valuable feature."

"The "App to App" feature has been most impactful. It allows secure communication between applications without requiring direct user access, which is crucial for several applications."

"The biggest benefit of Delinea Secret Server would be the remote password change and discovery, which are a major help for the management of the accounts."

More Delinea Secret Server pros

"Access to privileged, shared credentials is simplified by optimizing the whole workflow and approval processes."

"It is one of the most well-known names in this field."

"Centralized Password Management: Our client has more than 400 geographical locations and approximately ten employees work at each location."

"As a PAM solution, Secret Server performs all the use cases in our environment."

"The main benefits that IBM Security Secret Server provides for me include complete control over the privileged identities, which are the main sources that can have the privilege to make numerous changes on the system, and if we protect these identities through PAM and provide elevation on their accounts when required, then we can improve our security posture and infrastructure security."

"What I like best about IBM Security Secret Server is its single-access console. It's also easy to manage and fulfills the requirements with the least resistance."

"One of the most valuable features is scalability, and how it allows you to scale it without affecting the underlying core components."

"Stability-wise, I think it is a very good solution."

More IBM Security Secret Server pros

Cons

"I would like to see the shadowing of ongoing terminal sessions (Remote Desktop Mirroring)."

"We faced some upgrade issues, especially during the management and administration parts. I found it less straightforward than on many other platforms, even outside password managers."

"In many PAM tools, when users request a password checkout, they need to provide justification. However, in my experience across four organizations, nobody actually reads the justifications. Users can simply type anything and get the password. This becomes a risk and compliance issue. There needs to be continuous improvement in this area, focusing on problem identification and mitigation strategies."

"The technical support needs improvement. For example, if you have any problems on the server configuring the IIS, they would provide you very limited details and they would tell you the problem is on your end."

"One thing that I wish they would do is to have a Kubernetes or container-based deployment supported, but they're not quite there yet. Containerization or support for containerization would be fantastic."

"There are some things that I know are really important to include like A/B version features which are available in Windows. I would say that they should be included in the road map."

"We could definitely use some help with API tokenization. If we had a way to store tokens that would be fabulous."

"When working with larger enterprises Thycotic Secret Server becomes a little cumbersome to work with because they do not allow as much flexibility as some of the other competitors, such as CyberArk. Thycotic Secret Server could improve by being more flexible when it comes to customization, and increase the number of API integrations."

More Delinea Secret Server cons

"I mention that password vaulting and password rotation in IBM Security Secret Server are basically the same thing, and it becomes somewhat complex when integrating a different system with them because it requires API development."

"If you have a hosted PIM in your local environment and you plan to migrate it to some cloud-based environment, then migration will become a painful task."

"Secret Server should have the ability to discover privileged accounts in the servers, like the administrator or users, from SQL and Oracle without having to import a script."

"What needs improvement in IBM Security Secret Server is support. The local partner provides good support, but IBM itself doesn't. Most of the time, the IBM support team does not aggressively resolve issues reported through chat or the IBM website."

"The newer interface is more difficult to use than the previous one, and consequently, new users might need more training."

"Unfortunately, the technical support is not very responsive because we purchased it from IBM; however, the actual support comes from Thycotic."

"The nonclustered index is working in an area with a problem that needs improvement."

"The newer interface is maybe confusing old customer that using previous one from their point of views, I think they will need little pass of time to be familiar with."

More IBM Security Secret Server cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"I would give the price a four on a scale from one to ten, with one being the cheapest and ten being the most expensive. We pay for the license on a yearly basis, and we paid for three years. It costs around 5000 a year."

"The price of this solution is good."

"I would rate the pricing a six out of ten, with ten being a high price."

"There is an annual license needed to use Delinea Secret Server."

"The pricing is standard in this business and we have no complaints about it."

"They are priced quite well."

"Secret Server is expensive when compared to the cost to some alternatives."

"Most customers opt for a yearly license."

More Delinea Secret Server pricing and cost advice

"I believe that we paid 35,000 or 40,000 US dollars for it."

"My rating for the IBM Security Secret Server pricing is seven out of ten. It could be cheaper."

"The price could be better. I think it's a good price for the on-premises environment and the high availability for enterprises the solution provides."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

10%

Manufacturing Company

Construction Company

Outsourcing Company

Insurance Company

19%

Outsourcing Company

13%

Construction Company

11%

Performing Arts

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	20
Midsize Enterprise	11
Large Enterprise	27

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	4
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	2

Questions from the Community

Looking for recommendations and a pros/cons template for software to detect insider threats

This is an inside-out --- outside-in --- inside-in question, as an insider can be an outsider as well. There is no short answer other than a blend of a PAM tool with Behavioral Analytics and Endpo...

See all answers

Which PAM tool do you prefer: CyberArk Privileged Access Manager, One Identity Safeguard, Delinea Secret Server, or BeyondTrust Privileged Remote A

For a banking or financial services use case you should check out SplitSecure. Very easy to deploy and use and splits secrets across devices rather than on cloud servers so you get full cryptograph...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Thycotic Password Reset Server?

I think the price for Secret Server is reasonable.

See all answers

What needs improvement with IBM Security Secret Server?

I believe there is not much that can be improved for IBM Security Secret Server. Providing local support and local vendor availability would be beneficial so we are not dependent on international s...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for IBM Security Secret Server?

IBM Security Secret Server serves multiple use cases for us, including the monitoring of privileged users, as well as the recording and password vaulting of their accounts, passwords, and need-base...

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering IBM Security Secret Server?

I mention that password vaulting and password rotation in IBM Security Secret Server are basically the same thing, and it becomes somewhat complex when integrating a different system with them beca...

See all answers

Comparisons

Idira Privileged Access Manager vs Delinea Secret Server

Compared 8% of the time

1Password Business vs Delinea Secret Server

Compared 7% of the time

Safeguard by One Identity vs Delinea Secret Server

Compared 6% of the time

HashiCorp Vault vs Delinea Secret Server

Compared 5% of the time

More Delinea Secret Server Competitors

WALLIX Bastion vs IBM Security Secret Server

Compared 26% of the time

Idira Privileged Access Manager vs IBM Security Secret Server

Compared 15% of the time

Fortra's Powertech Identity & Access Manager vs IBM Security Secret Server

Compared 12% of the time

Delinea Privileged Access Service vs IBM Security Secret Server

Compared 6% of the time

Okta Platform vs IBM Security Secret Server

Compared 5% of the time

More IBM Security Secret Server Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Delinea Secret Server

September 2026

Download Delinea Secret Server product report

Buyer's Guide

IBM Security Secret Server

August 2026

Download IBM Security Secret Server product report

Also Known As

Thycotic Secret Server, Delinea Password Reset Server

IBM Secret Server, Secret Server, IBM Security Privileged Identity Manager

Overview

Delinea Secret Server efficiently manages privileged access and passwords through robust features like a password vault, Active Directory integration, and remote desktop creation, ensuring enhanced security and compliance.

Delinea Secret Server provides IT teams with essential governance and security capabilities, including automatic password rotation and session monitoring. Its integration options, along with APIs and discovery functionalities, support managing privileged accounts. Effective for improving access security, Delinea Secret Server supports seamless Active Directory integration and offers a user-friendly interface, which aids in risk and compliance management, role-based access, and zero trust support.

What are the key features of Delinea Secret Server?

Robust Password Vault: Secure storage for sensitive credentials.
Seamless Active Directory Integration: Supports directory management and authentication.
Remote Desktop Creation: Facilitates secure remote access.
Automatic Password Rotation: Enhances security by regularly updating passwords.
Session Monitoring: Tracks and records user sessions for enhanced oversight.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance: Aids in audit processes with role-based access control.

What benefits or ROI should users consider in reviews?

Enhanced Security: Protects sensitive data through secure credential storage and management.
Improved Compliance: Facilitates meeting regulatory requirements with detailed session records.
Efficient Management: Streamlined password rotation and Active Directory integration simplify processes.
User-Friendly Features: Offers intuitive management tools for IT teams to handle privileges effectively.

Delinea Secret Server is beneficial for industries requiring stringent security and compliance measures, effectively managing administrative accounts, and monitoring access to critical systems. It is widely adopted for credential management, auditing sessions, and controlling privileged accounts in both on-premises and cloud environments.

Delinea

IBM Security Secret Server provides centralized management of privileged credentials, secure access, session recording, and replay. Its pricing model is unique, being based on user count rather than system connections, making it a flexible choice for organizations.

IBM Security Secret Server enhances cybersecurity by integrating with frameworks and offering features like monitoring, high availability, and adaptable reporting. It simplifies password management, automates changes, and ensures compliance with security protocols. The platform is valued for its ease of deployment and user-friendly interface, although it can improve in areas such as the GUI and integration process. Complex high availability and disaster recovery setups are noted challenges, along with nonclustered indexing issues affecting performance. Users desire improvements in local support and migration processes.

What are the key features of IBM Security Secret Server?

Centralized Management: Streamlines credential management across systems.
Session Recording: Allows recording and replay of sessions for forensic purposes.
Integration Capabilities: Enhances security with diverse cybersecurity frameworks.
Adaptable Reporting: Provides tools for customizable reporting.
Single-Access Console: Offers a unified user experience with granular roles.

What benefits should users look for in reviews?

User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies deployment and daily operations.
Scalability: User-based pricing model ensures flexibility and cost-efficiency.
Security Compliance: Ensures adherence to security protocols with automated processes.
Audit and Reporting: Robust capabilities for auditing and compliance documentation.
Enhanced Security Posture: Integrates well with existing frameworks to bolster security.

Organizations across various industries implement IBM Security Secret Server for managing privileged access and securing critical systems. It serves financial institutions by providing a secure jump server for accessing core banking platforms and databases. IT managers benefit from workflow approvals and automated password management, ensuring compliance and boosting security posture. The platform's session recording and auditing features are crucial for sectors needing detailed activity documentation.

IBM

Sample Customers

Secure-24, University of San Diego, International Rescue Committee, San Francisco Ballet, Perkins Coie, University of San Diego, D.S.S. Limited, Turbo's Hoet, Eclipse Computing, Cathay Bank, Stellarise, J&R Consulting

Information Not Available

Buyer's Guide

Delinea Secret Server vs. IBM Security Secret Server

August 2026

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