IBM Security Secret Server vs Okta Platform comparison

IBM and Okta are both solutions in the Privileged Access Management (PAM) category. IBM is ranked #20 with an average rating of 8.0, while Okta is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.7. IBM holds a 1.3% mindshare in PAM, compared to Okta’s 3.3% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of Okta users who would recommend it.

IBM Security Secret Server

Read 8 IBM Security Secret Server reviews

921 Views
912 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Okta Platform

Read 118 Okta Platform reviews

20,120 Views
2,213 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

IBM Security Secret Server

Okta Platform

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report

Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 22, 2026

Okta Platform and IBM Security Secret Server both compete in the identity and access management space, with Okta offering more comprehensive integration capabilities and IBM focusing on high-security credential management. Okta seems to have the upper hand in seamless integration and deployment flexibility, while IBM stands out in stringent credential management.

Features: Okta Platform features identity access management with Universal Directory and profile mapping, offering MFA and SSO for easy navigation across applications. It excels in workflow automation and integration, improving security and operational efficiency by reducing manual intervention. IBM Security Secret Server emphasizes password management and session monitoring, providing meticulous oversight for privileged accounts. It ensures stable management of credentials and is suitable for high-security environments.

Room for Improvement: Okta users highlight issues with downtime, certificate rotations, and group rule mappings. Improved push notifications and an enhanced UI are desired. IBM could benefit from easier support access and better system integration. Users request more straightforward solutions and infrastructure improvements for deployment and support.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Okta offers a flexible deployment model favoring cloud and hybrid environments with generally positive technical deployment and customer support, though some mention slower response times. IBM Security Secret Server, primarily deployed on-premises, requires more complex setup but provides a stable environment. Support services are reliable but could be constrained by location.

Pricing and ROI: Okta Platform is considered cost-efficient for small to mid-sized businesses, with pricing aligned with user numbers and service tiers. Its ROI is valued due to increased efficiency and reduced risk. IBM Security Secret Server has mid-to-upper range pricing, fitting larger enterprises with extensive on-premises needs. Both platforms offer substantial ROI, but Okta's cost-effectiveness is noted for its broad identity management services.

To learn more, read our detailed IBM Security Secret Server vs. Okta Platform Report (Updated: June 2026).

Buyer's Guide

IBM Security Secret Server vs. Okta Platform

June 2026

Download the complete report

Helped 900,747 peers since 2012

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

Okta Platform

Ranking in Privileged Access Management (PAM)

3rd

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.6

Number of Reviews

118

Ranking in other categories

Single Sign-On (SSO) (2nd), Authentication Systems (3rd), Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) (2nd), Access Management (2nd), ZTNA as a Service (2nd), Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) (1st), AI IT Support (1st)

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2026, in the Privileged Access Management (PAM) category, the mindshare of IBM Security Secret Server is 1.3%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Okta Platform is 3.3%, up from 2.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Privileged Access Management (PAM) Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Okta Platform	3.3%
IBM Security Secret Server	1.3%
Other	95.4%

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.

Read full review

Sravanakumar Nidamanooru

Identity and Access Management Specialist at a university with 10,001+ employees

Automated lifecycle management has cut onboarding times and now drives secure, clean access

Although I am a fan of Okta Platform overall, there are areas where it could improve security outcomes and reduce admin friction. My top improvement areas include the system log and analytics upgrade, which are great for point troubleshooting, but trending and root cause analysis across large tenants still require exporting to SIEM. Verbose queries and long-range retention costs can add up. Additionally, while certificate rotations are better than most, the process is still manual for busy portfolios, especially concerning multi-SP SAML certificate rotations and app metadata drift. Two more buckets of potential improvements for Okta Platform involve user experience and security. There is the issue of push fatigue and prompt sprawl, where users receive multiple prompts across different apps and sessions. I arrived at the rating of eight because the core controls are strong and reliable, but a few operational UX and UI gaps prevent it from being rated higher. The reasons for not giving it a nine or ten include ongoing issues concerning safety and change safety, the complexity of group rules and mappings, and the lack of robustness in policy management. Additionally, there remains a need for more manual involvement than necessary, especially for large portfolios and dual certificate rotation, along with proactive SP data metadata validation.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"Centralized Password Management: Our client has more than 400 geographical locations and approximately ten employees work at each location."

"The live recording is a very useful feature."

"Access to privileged, shared credentials is simplified by optimizing the whole workflow and approval processes."

"It is one of the most well-known names in this field."

"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."

"This product has been able to cover most of the requests from our customers."

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

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

More IBM Security Secret Server pros

"Okta Platform is the gold standard when it comes to identity providers and the single sign-on experience."

"Okta Platform has positively impacted our organization as it eliminates the manual intervention work of providing access to new users who join the company to multiple applications."

"The most valuable feature of this solution for most customers is access management."

"Ease of use and the ability to trust the product are what I value most."

"Its integration components are most valuable. It integrates with everything in some way. There are some products, such as O365 or AD, with which it completely and 100% integrates. So, you can seamlessly create accounts across the board with some of these products. For some of the products with which it doesn't completely integrate, you can do some kind of interfacing."

"A solution that's easy to use, stable, and reliable."

"It is dependent on the evolution of your user base. It depends on usage per user, so the more sign-ins there are, the more expensive it becomes, so it works best for smaller companies from a financial perspective."

"My first application was supported by this architecture, and studying Okta Platform helped me develop that architecture because my previous architecture was not effective."

More Okta Platform pros

Cons

"Unfortunately, the technical support is not very responsive because we purchased it from IBM; however, the actual support comes from Thycotic."

"It would be preferable if the full proxy was included in the 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 because it requires API development."

"The newer interface is maybe confusing old customer that using previous one from their point of views, I think they will need little pass of time to be familiar with."

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

"If you have a hosted PIM in your local environment and you plan to migrate it to some cloud-based environment, then migration will become a painful task."

"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."

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

More IBM Security Secret Server cons

"Okta Workforce Identity can improve by having more features in governance."

"Okta doesn't have a partial push. It pushes down the full profile schema for lifecycle management or provisioning."

"When I started, there were some UI challenges. The UI could be improved to make it better because I had to watch many tutorials to become familiar with their UI flow and integrations."

"We faced some challenges during the Okta Identity Workforce deployment. Integrating with AWS and other cloud services posed some limitations with federated options. For instance, features like automatic user addition from AWS to the tool were missing, requiring manual intervention. The API is limited compared to the manual configuration possible through the UI."

"Okta Platform's pricing model can be expensive for smaller organizations, affecting user feature accessibility."

"Some limitations in scalability. Each application we work with can be completely different, resulting in highly variable implementation processes."

"I would not say Okta Platform is a cost-effective solution. It is an enterprise-grade solution, so it is comparatively on the higher side in terms of cost."

"The solution’s policies are difficult to understand due to the policy methods. They use authentication. The solution’s workflow is also difficult and not very active. They need to have proper documentation on it. In the next release, I would like to see the workflows being more digestible."

More Okta Platform cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"My rating for the IBM Security Secret Server pricing is seven out of ten. It could be cheaper."

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

"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."

"The price of Okta Workforce Identity is reasonable."

"The cost per user for this solution is really high and could be reduced."

"The price of this product could be lower."

"The price of Okta Workforce Identity is competitively priced. We pay annually for the use of the solution."

"The pricing for Okta Workforce Identity could still be improved or made cheaper. It costs from 50 to 100 euros a year per user. Okta Workforce Identity has different packages you can choose from, and my previous company had all of them, particularly the full Okta suite."

"The solution's pricing model could be better for SMBs."

"The solution is not the cheapest but not the most expensive. They are in the middle rating."

"The pricing is reasonable."

More Okta Platform pricing and cost advice

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

900,747 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Insurance Company

18%

Construction Company

10%

Computer Software Company

Outsourcing Company

Financial Services Firm

11%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Construction Company

Computer Software Company

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	50
Midsize Enterprise	26
Large Enterprise	61

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...

See all answers

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...

See all answers

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...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Okta Workforce Identity?

Pricing for Okta is reasonably not that much, however, I don't have access to the commercial aspect.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Okta Workforce Identity?

Currently, in Okta Workforce Identity we get the two-digit authentication code. Instead of getting the two-digit authentication code, if we had an option to do fingerprint verification, that would ...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Okta Workforce Identity?

I don't have many details about Okta Workforce Identity. I use the tool just to sign in to different applications that we have. We basically set up Okta Workforce Identity in our mobile phone. We d...

See all answers

Comparisons

Idira Privileged Access Manager vs IBM Security Secret Server

Compared 20% of the time

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

Compared 19% of the time

Delinea Secret Server vs IBM Security Secret Server

Compared 18% of the time

WALLIX Bastion vs IBM Security Secret Server

Compared 18% of the time

Fudo PAM vs IBM Security Secret Server

Compared 7% of the time

More IBM Security Secret Server Competitors

Microsoft Entra ID vs Okta Platform

Compared 7% of the time

SailPoint Identity Security Cloud vs Okta Platform

Compared 6% of the time

Auth0 Platform vs Okta Platform

Compared 3% of the time

Saviynt Identity Cloud vs Okta Platform

Compared 3% of the time

OneLogin vs Okta Platform

Compared 2% of the time

More Okta Platform Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

IBM Security Secret Server

June 2026

Download IBM Security Secret Server product report

Buyer's Guide

Okta Platform

June 2026

Download Okta Platform product report

Also Known As

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

Okta Customer Identity, Workforce Identity

Overview

IBM Security Secret Server provides centralized management of privileged credentials, secure access, session recording, and replay. Its pricing model is unique, being based on user count rather than system connections, making it a flexible choice for organizations.

IBM Security Secret Server enhances cybersecurity by integrating with frameworks and offering features like monitoring, high availability, and adaptable reporting. It simplifies password management, automates changes, and ensures compliance with security protocols. The platform is valued for its ease of deployment and user-friendly interface, although it can improve in areas such as the GUI and integration process. Complex high availability and disaster recovery setups are noted challenges, along with nonclustered indexing issues affecting performance. Users desire improvements in local support and migration processes.

What are the key features of IBM Security Secret Server?

Centralized Management: Streamlines credential management across systems.
Session Recording: Allows recording and replay of sessions for forensic purposes.
Integration Capabilities: Enhances security with diverse cybersecurity frameworks.
Adaptable Reporting: Provides tools for customizable reporting.
Single-Access Console: Offers a unified user experience with granular roles.

What benefits should users look for in reviews?

User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies deployment and daily operations.
Scalability: User-based pricing model ensures flexibility and cost-efficiency.
Security Compliance: Ensures adherence to security protocols with automated processes.
Audit and Reporting: Robust capabilities for auditing and compliance documentation.
Enhanced Security Posture: Integrates well with existing frameworks to bolster security.

Organizations across various industries implement IBM Security Secret Server for managing privileged access and securing critical systems. It serves financial institutions by providing a secure jump server for accessing core banking platforms and databases. IT managers benefit from workflow approvals and automated password management, ensuring compliance and boosting security posture. The platform's session recording and auditing features are crucial for sectors needing detailed activity documentation.

IBM

Okta Platform provides comprehensive identity and access management, featuring Active Directory Sync, user management, and app auto-provisioning. It ensures security through single sign-on and adaptive multi-factor authentication.

Okta Platform offers advanced integration capabilities, allowing seamless connection with in-house and cloud applications. Security features are robust, incorporating multi-factor authentication and SSO to prevent unauthorized access. Users benefit from its ease of use and the ability to integrate and manage numerous applications effectively. While generally praised, users note areas for improvement, such as high costs and complex setups. Better integrations with on-premises systems and third-party tools are desired along with enhanced error logging and reporting features.

What are Okta's key features?

Active Directory Sync: Simplifies app management by synchronizing user directories.
Single Sign-On: Provides desktop SSO for easier access to multiple apps.
Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication: Offers robust security options for different scenarios.
Universal Directory: Supports flexible identity management and configuration.
Integration Capability: Enables connections with both in-house and SaaS applications.

What benefits do organizations find in Okta?

Enhanced Security: Multi-layered authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
Improved Efficiency: Streamlines user provisioning and app assignments.
Increased Compliance: Ensures secure access management aligning with IT policies.
Seamless Integration: Facilitates connections with various applications enhancing operational workflows.

Companies across industries implement Okta to secure user authentication and streamline onboarding processes. It supports access management for both on-premises and cloud applications, synchronizing directories and facilitating SaaS services. Organizations benefit from reduced credential management complexity and improved IT infrastructure compliance.

Okta

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

FedEx, Zoom, Takeda, Lululemon Athletica, GrunHub, jetBlue, McKensson, Bain & Company, Engie, Peloton, Sonos, T-Mobile, Hewlett Packard, MGM Resorts, Ally Financial, Priceline, Albertsons, Itercom, Classy, FICO, Kensho, Live Nation, Drata, Rotary, and others.

Buyer's Guide

IBM Security Secret Server vs. Okta Platform

June 2026

Free Report: IBM Security Secret Server vs. Okta Platform

Find out what your peers are saying about IBM Security Secret Server vs. Okta Platform and other solutions. Updated: June 2026.

DOWNLOAD NOW

900,747 professionals have used our research since 2012.

See our IBM Security Secret Server vs. Okta Platform report.

See our list of best Privileged Access Management (PAM) vendors.

We monitor all Privileged Access Management (PAM) reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.