Compare Admin By Request Endpoint Privilege Management vs. SecureDesk

Admin By Request EPM is an endpoint privilege management solution for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It removes permanent local admin rights and grants elevation only when a task requires it, so a compromised account can't take over an entire system. Elevation applies to applications rather than user accounts, and privileges can be delegated by user or group to fit developers, general staff, and third-party contractors alike. Threat and behavioral analytics identify risky users, assets, and software, and every session is logged for auditing. The solution runs from a single portal, works online or offline, and requires no additional servers or databases.

SecureDesk is a self-hosted platform aimed at remote support and device management specifically for Windows systems, ensuring that the user's own infrastructure handles all interactions without relying on external cloud services. It features two modes of connection: attended sessions, which provide real-time assistance with the end user's approval, and unattended access for managing devices that do not have staff present, like servers or kiosks. Additionally, for more complex troubleshooting needs, technicians can access a SYSTEM-level shell to execute administrative commands directly on the device. Central to its architecture is a robust encryption model; both the technician's console and the remote device independently create their own AES-256-GCM encryption keys, with connections initiated solely from the endpoints. The self-hosted relay that facilitates each session only transmits encrypted data and does not possess any keys, ensuring that even the operator of the relay cannot decrypt or view the content of the sessions. This design not only enhances security but also provides peace of mind to users who prioritize data protection during remote interactions.