PSMP bin contents reveal which item isn’t in Privileged Session Manager for PAM.

Inside the PSMP bin directory: what actually belongs there—and what doesn’t

If you work with CyberArk Sentry, you’ve probably heard of Privileged Session Manager for PAM, or PSMP for short. It’s the kind of tool that sits quietly in the background, watching keystrokes and keeping privileged sessions under control. When you poke around its file structure, you’ll see a bin directory that looks like a small collection of DIY scripts and helpers. The question is simple but important: which items truly belong in that bin directory, and which don’t?

Let me explain what lives in there and why it matters for day-to-day security operations.

A quick tour of the bin directory: what the four items are, and what they do

If you’ve got a multiple-choice question handy, you’ve probably seen these entries:

• A. createenv

• B. createcredfile

• C. PSM for SSH serverserver

• D. installlog

The right answer is D — installlog. It isn’t an executable or a tool you run; it’s a log artifact. The PSMP bin directory is designed for runtime utilities—the bits you need to start, manage, and monitor privileged sessions. Logs, installers, and other non-executable records belong elsewhere, often in logs or installation directories. Keeping them out of the bin directory reduces clutter and lowers the risk of confusing files being mistaken for commands.

Now, what about the other three?

• createenv

Think of createenv as a helper for environmental setup. In many security tools, sessions run with a sandboxed, predictable environment. createenv is a utility that helps establish that context—setting environment variables, defining session traits, and making sure the sandbox behaves consistently. It’s the kind of small, purposeful script that keeps a session from stumbling over odd paths or missing credentials. If you’re in a pinch and need a clean, repeatable environment for a test session, this one’s your friendly neighbor.

• createcredfile

Credential handling is the heartbeat of any privileged access control system. createcredfile is the tool that deals with credential storage preparation. It’s not about grabbing passwords in the open; it’s about shaping a secure, retrievable credential file that PSMP can use in a controlled way during a session. Think of it as a secure doorway key—written in a controlled format, rotated, and protected by the right permissions. It’s essential, but it belongs in the bin directory as a runtime helper rather than as a user-generated artifact.

• PSM for SSH serverserver

Yes, the wording here is a little odd—“PSM for SSH serverserver” looks like a concatenation, but in practice you’re looking at a component that specifically handles SSH-based sessions. PSMP’s SSH integration is how admins connect to servers through a controlled, auditable channel. This executable plays a tangible role in the lifecycle of a session: launching, monitoring, recording, and controlling SSH activity so you can review what happened later. It’s a core part of PSMP’s capability to manage privileged access over secure channels.

The not-quite-right item: why installlog doesn’t belong in the bin

Installlog isn’t a command you run. It’s a documentary piece—a record that tells you what happened during an installation or upgrade. Logs like this are valuable for troubleshooting, but they aren’t part of the day-to-day toolkit that runs or configures PSMP sessions. If you saw installlog sitting next to createenv or PSM for SSH, you’d likely pause and ask: is this an archival file, or did someone place something in the wrong folder? Keeping such artifacts out of the bin directory keeps the command surface clean and reduces the chance you’ll accidentally execute a file that isn’t meant to be run.

Why this distinction matters in real life

• Security posture: A clean, purpose-built bin directory minimizes the chance of running an unsafe or unexpected file. When only the actual executables and scripts live there, you know where to look for troubleshooting or updates.

• Operational clarity: It’s easier to train new team members if file roles are obvious. If someone mentions createenv or createcredfile, you know they’re talking about runtime setup or credential handling during a session. If they mention installlog, you’ll know that’s a record to review after the fact, not a tool to execute.

• Auditing and compliance: PSMP is often part of regulated environments. Keeping logs separate from executables aligns with best practices for traceability and data integrity. It’s simpler to generate evidence for audits when the directory structure mirrors the operational reality: run-time components in bin, logs in log directories, installers in install or archive directories.

How to verify what belongs in your PSMP environment (without getting lost in the file jungle)

If you’re responsible for a PSMP deployment, a quick sanity check can save you a lot of headaches. Here are a few practical steps:

• Check the path. Look at the PSMP bin directory and confirm that files there are executable or script-like utilities intended for session management. Non-executable files, like text logs or installer remnants, should be elsewhere.

• Inspect permissions. Runtime utilities should have the right permissions to be executed by the PSMP service account. If you see a file with world-writable bits or unusual ownership, it’s worth a closer look.

• Identify the type of each item. For each file, run a quick file-type check (for example, on many systems you can run file or check the shebang line for scripts). This helps you distinguish between actual utilities and plain text or log files.

• Confirm naming conventions. While not universal, many PSMP environments follow a convention that clearly marks tools meant to be executed in the bin folder. If something looks out of place by name, it’s worth investigating.

A few practical tips for PSMP administrators

• Keep the bin directory lean. Remove or relocate non-essential items that aren’t used at runtime. A lean bin directory makes onboarding smoother and reduces the surface for accidental execution.

• Document each tool’s purpose. Maintain a simple reference that explains what createenv, createcredfile, and the SSH-related executables do. Include a note on where to find related logs and why they’re stored elsewhere.

• Separate concerns with directories. Use dedicated folders for logs, installers, and caches. If you can’t avoid a file that looks like an installer note, relocate it away from bin and link to it from a centralized admin guide.

• Protect sensitive scripts. If any script handles credentials or sensitive configuration, enforce strict permissions and consider signing or checksumming to detect tampering.

• Stay aligned with updates. When PSMP gets updated, verify that the bin contents haven’t gained new runtimes or old artifacts. A quick inventory after upgrades helps prevent surprises.

A closing thought: the human side of a tiny folder

All this careful separation isn’t just about tidy file systems. It’s about staying calm when a session behaves oddly or when a governance audit lands on your desk. You don’t want to rummage through a jungle of files to figure out which ones are meant to be clicked and which are there to be read. The bin directory, in its quiet way, reflects the philosophy of PSMP itself: keep the running parts predictable, keep the data separate, and keep the record-keeping honest. When you respect that distinction, you can focus on what matters—delivering secure, auditable privileged access without drama.

Key takeaways you can carry forward

• The bin directory houses runtime tools: createenv, createcredfile, and the SSH-related PSM executable are examples.

• installlog is a documentation artifact, not a tool to run, and belongs outside the bin directory.

• A clean structure supports security, compliance, and smoother operations.

• Regular checks and straightforward documentation are your best allies in managing PSMP environments.

If you’re mapping out a PSMP deployment for a real-world environment, these distinctions help you stay grounded. You get a system that’s easier to administer, easier to troubleshoot, and safer to operate. And when everyone on the team can point to the same, sensible distinctions, that’s when the quiet power of Privileged Session Manager really shines.