IBM Security Secret Server vs Symantec Privileged Access Manager comparison

IBM and Broadcom are both solutions in the Privileged Access Management (PAM) category. IBM is ranked #20 with an average rating of 8.0, while Broadcom is ranked #17 with an average rating of 8.5. IBM holds a 1.3% mindshare in PAM, compared to Broadcom’s 1.7% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 85% of Broadcom users who would recommend it.

IBM Security Secret Server

Read 8 IBM Security Secret Server reviews

593 Views
593 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Symantec Privileged Access ...

Read 53 Symantec Privileged Access Manager reviews

1,529 Views
1,208 Comparison Views

85% willing to recommend

IBM Security Secret Server

Symantec Privileged Access ...

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 6, 2024

Symantec Privileged Access Manager and IBM Security Secret Server compete in the privileged access management category. IBM seems to have the upper hand due to its comprehensive features, although Symantec is preferred for pricing and customer support.

Features: Symantec Privileged Access Manager is known for its integration capabilities, effective session monitoring, and competitive pricing. IBM Security Secret Server offers robust password management, extensive audit reporting, and comprehensive feature depth.

Room for Improvement: Symantec needs better scalability options, a more intuitive user interface, and enhanced session reporting. IBM requires more intuitive navigation, streamlined workflow processes, and an enhanced user experience.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Symantec Privileged Access Manager is noted for a straightforward deployment process and strong customer service. IBM Security Secret Server demands more initial setup resources but compensates with reliable support and broader deployment models.

Pricing and ROI: Symantec Privileged Access Manager is competitively priced with a satisfactory return on investment over time, ideal for budget-conscious enterprises. IBM Security Secret Server, with higher initial setup costs, justifies its ROI through expanded capabilities, offering value for organizations prioritizing advanced features over cost.

To learn more, read our detailed IBM Security Secret Server vs. Symantec Privileged Access Manager Report (Updated: February 2026).

Buyer's Guide

IBM Security Secret Server vs. Symantec Privileged Access Manager

February 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

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

Symantec Privileged Access ...

Ranking in Privileged Access Management (PAM)

17th

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

7.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2026, in the Privileged Access Management (PAM) category, the mindshare of IBM Security Secret Server is 1.3%, up from 1.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Symantec Privileged Access Manager is 1.7%, up from 1.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Privileged Access Management (PAM) Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Symantec Privileged Access Manager	1.7%
IBM Security Secret Server	1.3%
Other	97.0%

Privileged Access Management (PAM)

Featured Reviews

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.

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Muzi Lubisi

Senior technical Consultant at CA Africa

Secure management of sensitive servers and seamless applications with direct linking

The credential injection feature is highly valued, particularly for RDP sessions. A majority of customers use it for RDP, and a couple for Linux servers. The broader capabilities, including access to multiple systems, web-based applications, and clustering, have never posed an issue. The threat analytics aspect is also a robust feature that analyzes all pertinent information.

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

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

"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."

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

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

"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."

"The live recording is a very useful feature."

"It is simple to implement and is suitable for medium to large-scale enterprises."

"We can enforce complicated password policies and very important frequent password changes."

"One of the key things for us about the product is around its simplicity. Being able to put in the technology that allows the business to remove complexity and also allow the security improvements."

"It will provide us with more security."

"Password Management and Session Recording. The simplicity and ease that it is to be up and running out-of-the-box is very much appreciated."

"The key benefits are we improve our governance. We ensure we can build more trust in the way we run and operate our environment, and most of all is the accountability."

"Comprehensive coverage of the required features for the PAM solution."

"The interface is very friendly, colorful, and bold."

More Symantec Privileged Access Manager pros

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."

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

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

"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."

"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."

"It would be preferable if the full proxy was included in the IBM Security Secret Server."

"An improvement for this solution is that it should not be constantly based on user name and password. There should be a condition to edit and update your username."

"Recent releases need improvement in webpage management. For instance, navigating through a webpage that acts like a wizard, where I proceed to the next page and enter more information, is not handled well by the system."

"It's difficult to locate the reports, there are limits on what reports can be run from the GUI, and the report formats are lacking."

"The support for other remote assistance tools would be excellent. Free included tools in Windows (Remote Assist) and Microsoft SCCM Configuration Manager (ConMgr Remote Control) allow companies to reduce the amount of RDP connections and expand the usage of the tools are frequently used by companies to provide technical support for remote assistance."

"They need to do a little bit more on the mainframe side."

"It'd be great if you just stuck in your PIV card and Windows popped up, asked you for your password. You typed it in, then it remembered your credentials."

"Recent releases need improvement in webpage management."

"The setup is complex."

More Symantec Privileged Access Manager cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"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."

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

"They offer per-device, per-user, or monthly and yearly licensing models."

"The licensing is simple and scalable."

"Cost-wise, CA was better compared to others in the market. "

"The version we are using is affordable compared to BeyondTrust, which is maybe three to four times as expensive, but it depends on the features."

"It is reasonably priced."

"Pricing is fair compared to other top vendors."

"I would prefer better licensing options for the 20-100 users we have at a given time."

"It is more expensive than other solutions on the market."

More Symantec Privileged Access Manager pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Insurance Company

13%

Computer Software Company

11%

Performing Arts

Marketing Services Firm

Computer Software Company

11%

Marketing Services Firm

11%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

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

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	14
Midsize Enterprise	6
Large Enterprise	30

Questions from the Community

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...

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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...

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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...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Symantec Privileged Access Manager?

Due to the nature of the solution, it is hard to gauge, but compared to competitors, the pricing is very good. I would rate it as an eight and a half out of ten.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Symantec Privileged Access Manager?

Recent releases need improvement in webpage management. For instance, navigating through a webpage that acts like a wizard, where I proceed to the next page and enter more information, is not handl...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Symantec Privileged Access Manager?

With the customers that I have so far, I help them broker RDP sessions to sensitive servers, particularly those that manage aspects like physical access. I have also done it for backend databases, ...

See all answers

Comparisons

Delinea Secret Server vs IBM Security Secret Server

Compared 36% of the time

CyberArk Privileged Access Manager vs IBM Security Secret Server

Compared 23% of the time

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

Compared 21% of the time

Delinea Privileged Access Service vs IBM Security Secret Server

Compared 19% of the time

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CyberArk Privileged Access Manager vs Symantec Privileged Access Manager

Compared 27% of the time

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Symantec Privileged Access Manager

Compared 16% of the time

BeyondTrust Endpoint Privilege Management vs Symantec Privileged Access Manager

Compared 12% of the time

ARCON Privileged Access Management vs Symantec Privileged Access Manager

Compared 12% of the time

Delinea Secret Server vs Symantec Privileged Access Manager

Compared 12% of the time

More Symantec Privileged Access Manager Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

IBM Security Secret Server

February 2026

Download IBM Security Secret Server product report

Buyer's Guide

Symantec Privileged Access Manager

January 2026

Symantec Privileged Access Manager report

Download Symantec Privileged Access Manager product report

Also Known As

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

CA PAM, Xceedium Xsuite, CA Privileged Access Manager

Overview

IBM Security Secret Server protects privileged accounts from hackers and insider threats, helps ensure compliance with evolving regulations, and allows authorized employees to seamlessly gain access to the tools and information they need to drive productivity. Easily detect, manage and audit privileged accounts, and control which applications are permitted to run on endpoints and servers to prevent malicious applications from penetrating the environment. IBM Security Secret Server is fast to deploy, easy to use and scalable for the enterprise.

IBM

CA Privileged Access Manager is a simple-to-deploy, automated, proven solution for privileged access management in physical, virtual and cloud environments. It enhances security by protecting sensitive administrative credentials such as root and administrator passwords, controlling privileged user access, proactively enforcing policies and monitoring and recording privileged user activity across all IT resources. It includes CA PAM Server Control (previously CA Privileged Identity Manager) for fine-grained protection of critical servers

Broadcom

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

NEOVERA, Telesis, eSoft

Buyer's Guide

IBM Security Secret Server vs. Symantec Privileged Access Manager

February 2026

Free Report: IBM Security Secret Server vs. Symantec Privileged Access Manager

Find out what your peers are saying about IBM Security Secret Server vs. Symantec Privileged Access Manager and other solutions. Updated: February 2026.

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