In CyberArk, how does the PVWA authenticate users?

In CyberArk, the privileged account security architecture involves using the Privileged Vault Web Access (PVWA) as the front end for user authentication and interaction with the Vault. The correct answer highlights that the PVWA sends user details to the Vault, which is configured to handle authentication processes. This centralizes the authentication mechanism, allowing for more secure and manageable user credential validation.

By relying on the Vault for authentication, CyberArk leverages its robust security features, including multi-factor authentication and detailed access controls, to validate user identities effectively. This way, all authentication processes are governed within the secure environment of the Vault, ensuring that users can only access information according to their permissions and roles.

Additional methods of user authentication, such as retrieving credentials from external files, connecting directly to a database, or verifying against a local user directory, do not align with the security architecture of CyberArk. Such approaches could introduce risks by decentralizing authentication or relying on less secure storage mechanisms. Thus, the option emphasizing Vault integration represents the most secure and effective strategy for user authentication.