Why the logon locally right matters for PSMShadowUsers in CyberArk Sentry

Title: Why the “Logon Locally” Right Is a Must for PSMShadowUsers

If you’re navigating CyberArk’s Privileged Session Manager (PSM) setup, you’ll hear about a specific group called PSMShadowUsers. These folks watch over privileged sessions—think of them as the observers in the room who can see what’s happening on the screens where sensitive tasks get done. The essential requirement for members of this group is simple, yet powerful: they must have the “logon locally” user right assignment. Here’s the why and the how, in plain language.

Let me explain what “logon locally” means

You don’t have to be a security geek to get this. The “logon locally” right is a user-right assignment that lets a user sign in to a computer and have a session at the local console. In other words, you can sit at the machine itself and interact with it directly. For PSMShadowUsers, this isn’t about waving a magic admin wand. It’s about being physically present—on the machine where the PSM sits—so you can monitor, shadow, and, when needed, step in to observe privileged sessions as they unfold.

Why this matters for shadowing sessions

Why not just observe from afar? Because shadowing privileged sessions often requires real-time visibility and direct access to the machine running the session. When someone is controlling a high-stakes process, you want a clear, auditable trail of what happened, who did it, and when. The local logon right makes this possible. It ensures the observer can log in to the host, start the shadowing agent or console, capture session data, and correlate events with the right user and timestamp. Without local access, you’d end up with gaps—blind spots that security teams simply won’t tolerate.

A quick look at the other options (why they don’t fit this requirement)

• “Must have administrative privileges” (B) sounds powerful, but it isn’t the core need here. Shadowing is about visibility and auditing, not automatically granting all-powerful control.

• “Must be listed as end users” (C) might be true for some roles, but it doesn’t address the operational requirement of seeing and interacting with sessions at the machine level.

• “Must have access to the PSM Vault” (D) relates to credential storage and retrieval, not the act of logging on locally to monitor a session.

So the key point is that local logon rights unlock the very capability needed to observe privileged activity directly on the system where the action happens. It’s about accountability, traceability, and real-time oversight—without which the shadowing function loses its meaning.

How to implement this carefully

If you’re responsible for configuring PSMShadowUsers, here’s a practical, no-fluff path:

• Pin down the right assignment

• In Windows environments, the right is found under User Rights Assignment as “Log on locally.” It’s a security setting that governs who is allowed to log on to the computer locally (as opposed to logging in remotely or via other methods).

• You’ll typically add a dedicated group (PSMShadowUsers) to this right, not individual people, to keep governance clean and auditable.

• Enforce least privilege

• The goal isn’t to blanket everyone with admin power. It’s to give a carefully scoped capability to observe. Pair the local logon right with strict monitoring, separate accounts, and time-bound access where possible.

• Use unique credentials for the shadowing account and rotate them on a schedule that aligns with your security policy.

• Keep the audit trail clean and clear

• Ensure that every logon event, every shadow action, and every session observation is captured in a central log or SIEM. The value of local access is amplified when you can trace every action back to a user, machine, and timestamp.

• Regularly review access lists. A quarterly or biannual review is better than letting drift happen. If someone changes roles, your governance should reflect that almost automatically.

• Separate duties and accountability

• The observer role should be separated from the operators who run privileged sessions. That separation helps reduce the risk of misuse and makes the audit trail more credible.

• Document who has the right, why they have it, and what controls are in place to revoke it when it’s no longer needed.

• Layer in extra protections

• Consider multi-factor authentication for logon locally, where feasible.

• Use session recording or monitoring tools that capture a complete picture of the activity on the host.

• Integrate alerts for unusual shadowing patterns—like odd hours or unexpected machines—so you can respond quickly.

A real-world analogy to keep things relatable

Picture a backstage crew at a theater. The performers run the show, but the crew needs a clear view of what’s happening on stage to ensure safety, timing, and quality. The “logon locally” right is like giving the crew lead access to the backstage area and control room. They don’t take over the performance; they watch, record, and, if something goes off-script, they can intervene. That direct access is what makes the entire production auditable and accountable.

Security and auditing: the bigger picture

Security teams love this setup because it creates a tight chain of custody. When you can log who accessed a host, what they did, and which session they shadowed, you turn potential missteps into traceable events. It’s not just about preventing abuse; it’s about proving compliance when auditors come knocking. And in modern security landscapes, that kind of traceability is priceless.

Practical dos and don’ts for teams managing PSMShadowUsers

• Do: Limit the group to the minimum number of people who need to shadow sessions.

• Do: Use a formal process to grant and revoke the logon locally right.

• Do: Pair logon locally with strong authentication and centralized monitoring.

• Don’t: Grant this right broadly or casually. It’s a sensitive capability that should be shielded.

• Don’t: Overlook the importance of regular audits and reviews. People change roles; privileges should reflect that reality.

A few more thoughts to keep the rhythm natural

You’ll notice that technology is as much about human discipline as it is about software. The logon locally right is a tool, not a shield. It won’t fix gaps in policy on its own. The true protection comes from a thoughtful blend of correct configuration, disciplined access control, comprehensive logging, and ongoing governance. And yes, it’s okay to feel a little nerdy about getting the details right—because a small misstep here can ripple into bigger issues later.

Putting it all together

To recap, the essential requirement for members of the PSMShadowUsers group is that they must have the logon locally user-right assignment. This isn’t about embellishing a title with extra powers; it’s about enabling direct, auditable visibility on the machines where privileged sessions occur. It’s a straightforward rule with a big impact: it ensures guardians of the session can observe and record with authenticity, accountability, and clarity.

If you’re setting up or refining a CyberArk environment, keep this in mind as a cornerstone of governance around shadowing. The local logon right is the bridge that connects oversight to action, credibility to accountability, and security to trust. And when you pair it with good logging, careful role separation, and diligent reviews, you’ve built a solid foundation that stands up to scrutiny while still staying practical for day-to-day operations.

A final thought before you go: security is a habit, not a feature. The right to log on locally is a tool you use wisely. Embrace it with care, and your system gains both resilience and peace of mind. If you want to share a quick note about your experience—what surprised you, what you would tweak next time—I’m all ears. After all, these details matter, and a good discussion is how we all get better at this together.