Enhance Privileged Access workflows
Your PAM solution verifies user identity, but what about device identity? Most breaches don't come from compromised passwords—they come from trusted users logging in from untrusted devices. A compromised personal laptop, rogue VM, or stolen session token can transform an authorized user into an attack vector. Smallstep closes this gap by verifying device identity alongside user identity, ensuring only authorized devices can access sensitive systems.
Smallstep adds device identity to your PAM workflow
Block stolen logins
Even the best MFA can’t stop an attacker who steals an engineer’s credentials and logs in from an unapproved machine. Smallstep binds authentication to both user and device identity, blocking unauthorized endpoints before they connect.
Secure every OS
Whether your admins use macOS, Windows, or Linux, Smallstep enforces hardware-attested certificates, securing every privileged session without extra friction.
Ban untrusted devices
Most PAM setups don’t check device identity—only who is logging in. That means an admin can use any device, including a personal laptop riddled with malware. Smallstep enforces hardware-bound authentication, ensuring only approved machines can launch privileged sessions.
Stop lateral movement
Once inside, attackers move laterally using compromised credentials. Smallstep halts this by enforcing per-device, per-session verification, making it impossible to pivot between systems without explicit hardware validation.
Automate device controls
Forget manual allowlisting. Smallstep syncs with your MDM, blocking unrecognized devices and revoking access when a machine is lost or decommissioned.
Enhance Privileged Access workflows with device identity
Most PAM solutions verify user identities but still allow logins from unmanaged, unpatched, or compromised devices. MFA alone can’t prevent attackers from using stolen credentials on unauthorized endpoints. Without device identity verification, compromised passwords leave you vulnerable—creating critical security blind spots. Smallstep ensures devices are trusted and approved before granting access.
Leading the industry in Zero Trust for devices
I know at which point who has access to what server which I really liked, and my auditors liked.
Jimmy Passemard, Chief Information Security Officer • Kameleoon
Hassle-free auditing
With Smallstep, gain centralized reporting and logging of all user sessions, host access events, and privilege escalations—giving you complete visibility into who accessed what resources, from which device, and when. Simplify compliance audits, improve security oversight, and easily demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements without manual effort or guesswork.
Get these features and more with Smallstep
ACME Device Attestation
Bind certificates to TPM or Secure Enclave hardware, preventing unauthorized reuse.
Dynamic SCEP support
Use short-lived, per-request challenges instead of static secrets.
Real-time device inventory
Syncs with MDMs to maintain a trusted, up-to-date list of corporate endpoints.
Automated certificate lifecycle
Issue, renew, and revoke certs automatically, with zero manual overhead.
Cross-platform coverage
Apply the same hardware-attestation logic on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Seamless integration
Works alongside your existing identity provider (Okta, Azure AD, etc.) for holistic zero trust.
Learn more about the platform
The Smallstep platform helps mitigate numerous cybersecurity threats – from phishing to advanced hardware attacks – without impacting end-user workflows.
Enforce device identity everywhere
Whether you’re working towards a compliance standard, closing gaps in policy enforcement, or preventing nation-state attacks, our team is here to show you how Smallstep can help.