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IBM Security Secret Server Reviews

Vendor: IBM
4.1 out of 5
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What is IBM Security Secret Server?

IBM Security Secret Server protects privileged accounts from hackers and insider threats, helps ensure compliance with evolving regulations, and allows authorized employees to seamlessly gain access to the tools and information they need to drive productivity. Easily detect, manage and audit privileged accounts, and control which applications are permitted to run on endpoints and servers to prevent malicious applications from penetrating the environment. IBM Security Secret Server is fast to deploy, easy to use and scalable for the enterprise.

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IBM Security Secret Server is the #20 ranked solution in top Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions. PeerSpot users give IBM Security Secret Server an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. IBM Security Secret Server is most commonly compared to CyberArk Privileged Access Manager: IBM Security Secret Server vs CyberArk Privileged Access Manager. IBM Security Secret Server is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 56% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a insurance company, accounting for 13% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
IBM Security Secret Server
January 2026
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IBM Security Secret Server mindshare

As of February 2026, the mindshare of IBM Security Secret Server in the Privileged Access Management (PAM) category stands at 1.3%, up from 1.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Privileged Access Management (PAM) Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
IBM Security Secret Server1.3%
CyberArk Privileged Access Manager11.2%
Delinea Secret Server5.0%
Other82.5%
Privileged Access Management (PAM)

PeerResearch reports based on IBM Security Secret Server reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryPrivileged Access Management (PAM)Feb 7, 2026Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersFeb 7, 2026Download
ComparisonIBM Security Secret Server vs CyberArk Privileged Access ManagerFeb 7, 2026Download
ComparisonIBM Security Secret Server vs One Identity SafeguardFeb 7, 2026Download
ComparisonIBM Security Secret Server vs Delinea Secret ServerFeb 7, 2026Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
CyberArk Privileged Access Manager4.311.2%95%229 interviewsAdd to research
Delinea Secret Server4.05.0%90%55 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers
Last updated Feb 1, 2026

Valuable Features

IBM Security Secret Server provides centralized administration for privileged credentials, session recording, and lifecycle management. Users appreciate its ease of deployment and single-access console. Monitoring and recording are highlighted, along with high availability. It offers a distinct pricing model, user-friendly implementation, and valuable integration with cybersecurity frameworks. The tool enhances security posture by managing privileged identities effectively. Live recording and reporting tools help identify vulnerabilities, thus strengthening cybersecurity 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, 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."
  • "Stability-wise, I think it is a very good solution."
  • "What I like best about IBM Security Secret Server is its single-access console. It's also easy to manage and fulfills the requirements with the least resistance."

Room for Improvement

IBM Security Secret Server's interface could be clearer. Configuration for high availability and disaster recovery is complex. Migration to cloud is challenging. Customization is needed for integrations. Proxy features and appliance offerings are limited compared to competitors like BeyondTrust. Shared storage functionalities require scripting, complicating password synchronization. Support from IBM needs improvement. Server architecture demands might be reduced. Nonclustered indexing occasionally disrupts performance. Local support is preferred. Users often praise other aspects, highlighting few areas for enhancement.
  • "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 nonclustered index is working in an area with a problem that needs improvement."
  • "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."

Pricing

Enterprise users report IBM Security Secret Server as having straightforward licensing with standard licenses costing around $35,000-$40,000 USD. Some perceive the pricing as mid to upper-mid range and consider it reasonable given the solution's on-premises capabilities and high availability. Users suggest that pricing could be more competitive but recognize its value for enterprise-level needs. Overall, the cost structure aligns with similar enterprise security solutions.
  • "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."
  • "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."

Popular Use Cases

IBM Security Secret Server is used by teams primarily for managing server access workflows, monitoring user activities, and safeguarding critical account credentials. They implement advanced recording to track activities during remote sessions and utilize automated password management to comply with security standards. Administrators use its functionalities across IT departments to secure access to various systems while utilizing session monitoring, integrating dynamic services, and supporting database administration tasks, alongside recording and reporting functionalities.

Service and Support

IBM Security Secret Server's customer service receives mixed reactions. Ratings vary from 3.5 to 9 out of 10. The knowledge base is praised for preventing the need for support tickets. Some find technical support lacking in responsiveness and better when purchased from Thycotic. Timeliness depends on the support personnel; some engage actively, while others deflect responsibility. IBM can be supportive during system downtime. Suggestions highlight a need for more proactive resolution approaches.

Deployment

Initial setup is generally simple; however, complexity can vary. Some users find installation straightforward, while other scenarios like large deployments or custom integrations are challenging. Factors affecting deployment time include site preparation, infrastructure requirements, and RabbitMQ issues. Many installations take three to ten days. Small-scale or limited-use deployments are simpler, while extensive setups are more complex. Technical support ratings vary, influencing ease of setup.

Scalability

Many users have commended IBM Security Secret Server for its scalability, with no issues noted by SME companies. It supports growth without impacting core components, and with groups having licenses for administrators, it is clear participants find it scalable. Ratings generally reflect a positive experience, highlighting scalability as a key feature. Some plan to expand usage in the future, showcasing confidence in its ability to support larger user bases efficiently.

Stability

Users express satisfaction with the stability of IBM Security Secret Server, describing it as stable, though earlier versions had issues. It remains stable when there are no issues with operating systems, web servers, or SQL Servers. Some mention maintenance when new versions are released, with updates often resolving performance concerns. Ratings reflect generally favorable opinions about its stability, frequently giving it eight out of ten, despite isolated challenges such as with RabbitMQ.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our IBM Security Secret Server Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business4
Midsize Enterprise1
Large Enterprise2
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business15
Midsize Enterprise9
Large Enterprise30
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Insurance Company
13%
Computer Software Company
11%
Performing Arts
9%
Manufacturing Company
6%
Marketing Services Firm
6%
Energy/Utilities Company
6%
Outsourcing Company
6%
Financial Services Firm
6%
Comms Service Provider
4%
Consumer Goods Company
4%
Government
4%
Hospitality Company
4%
Logistics Company
4%
Renewables & Environment Company
4%
Legal Firm
2%
Healthcare Company
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
2%
Wholesaler/Distributor
2%
Retailer
2%
Construction Company
2%
University
2%
Non Profit
2%

Compare IBM Security Secret Server with alternative products

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Learn more about IBM Security Secret Server

IBM Security Secret Server was previously known as IBM Secret Server, Secret Server, IBM Security Privileged Identity Manager.

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Product Categories

Product Categories
Privileged Access Management (PAM)

Popular Comparisons

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IBM Security Secret Server Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Chief Information Security Officer at a insurance company with 501-1,000 employees4.0I've used IBM Security Secret Server for over four years; it's effective for privileged user monitoring, password vaulting, and session recording. While it's scalable and integrates well, regional support and some integrations could be improved.
Head of IT Security at a financial services firm with 5,001-10,000 employees3.5No summary available
Chief Information Security Officer at a insurance company with 501-1,000 employees3.5I use IBM Security Secret Server primarily to monitor user activities and commands with a single-access console that is easy to manage. Although its support needs improvement, it integrates well with other IBM solutions, unlike BeyondTrust.
Cyber security consultant at a tech services company with 1,001-5,000 employees4.5I use IBM Security Secret Server for managing privileged accounts, session recording, and as a jump server. While effective, it needs better shared storage management and out-of-the-box privilege account discovery. It's easier to use than CyberArk due to its SQL database.
Senior Presales Specialist at a computer software company with 11-50 employees5.0No summary available
IAM Consultant at a tech services company with 11-50 employees3.5No summary available
Security Consultant at a tech services company with 51-200 employees4.0No summary available
Information Security Officer at a tech services company with 11-50 employees4.5I use IBM Security Secret Server for dynamic and integration services, finding high availability its most powerful feature. However, improvements are needed for the nonclustered index issue, which sometimes affects performance. Overall, it offers a decent return on investment.