PAM

PATECCO Releases Whitepaper on Identity Verification in the Era of Big Data and APIs

As the digital world continues to expand, so do the challenges and opportunities associated with identity verification. In this blog post, we would like to announce the release of our new whitepaper: „Identity Verification in the Age of Big Data and APIs“ – a comprehensive exploration of identity, trust, and security in today’s API-driven, data-intensive world. PATECCO’s new whitepaper is designed for IT leaders, security professionals, compliance officers, and developers looking to deepen their understanding of modern identity verification strategies. Below, we highlight the core topics explored in this guide: 1. Identity Verification in the Age of Big Data and APIs Identity verification is no longer just about matching credentials, it’s about establishing trust across fragmented, high-velocity data ecosystems. In a world where billions of transactions and interactions occur daily, leveraging real-time data and interconnected systems becomes essential. Our whitepaper dives into how organizations are adapting identity strategies to meet this moment. 2. Big Data and APIs – The Game-Changers Big Data and APIs have fundamentally transformed how systems communicate and how identity is validated. APIs allow for seamless integration across platforms, while Big Data empowers predictive and behavioral identity verification models. We examine use cases where these technologies are enhancing accuracy, speed, and scalability – while also raising new questions around data privacy and control. 3. IAM as a Foundation of Digital Access Identity and Access Management (IAM) remains at the heart of secure digital operations. The whitepaper discusses how modern IAM systems are evolving beyond traditional directory services to include biometrics, adaptive authentication, and AI-based threat detection. It outlines how IAM supports everything from customer onboarding to workforce enablement. 4. IGI Governance and Compliance As regulatory landscapes become more complex, Identity Governance and Intelligence (IGI) has become crucial for compliance and risk mitigation. This section explores how automated identity lifecycle management, access reviews, and policy enforcement help organizations stay audit-ready and secure – especially when dealing with third-party and hybrid environments. 5. Identity Verification in PAM Privileged Access Management (PAM) presents unique identity verification challenges. Our whitepaper examines how integrating identity verification into PAM workflows helps organizations prevent insider threats, enforce least-privilege access, and monitor high-risk activities. You will also discover trends in just-in-time access and biometric-based controls for privileged users. 6. The Future of Identity Verification The whitepaper concludes by forecasting what’s next for identity verification – ranging from decentralized identity models to the role of AI in reducing fraud and improving user experience. As digital ecosystems continue to grow, so too must the sophistication of how we verify and protect identities. Whether you are modernizing your tech stack or preparing for the next compliance cycle, this resource will help you make informed decisions about your identity strategy. Ready to explore these topics in detail? Download the full whitepaper below:

Six Parameters for a Holistic PAM Concept

Nowadays digital environments become more interconnected and Privileged Access Management (PAM) has emerged as a vital element of a strong cybersecurity defense. As digital infrastructures grow in complexity, the challenge of managing privileged accounts becomes increasingly multifaceted. A holistic PAM concept goes beyond simple password vaulting or credential rotation; it encompasses a broad, integrated approach that aligns with modern security and compliance demands. In this article PATECCO presents an-depth look into the six key parameters essential for building a comprehensive PAM strategy: 1.Comprehensive visibility and discovery A successful PAM strategy begins with total visibility of your privileged accounts and access points. In most organizations, privileged accounts are spread across multiple environments, including on-premises systems, cloud platforms, SaaS applications, and hybrid workloads. Relying on manual inventory methods is no longer feasible. Instead, organizations should leverage automated discovery tools that can scan networks, endpoints, and cloud resources to identify all privileged accounts – including those that may have been forgotten or created outside standard procedures (often called “shadow admin accounts”). Comprehensive visibility also involves continuously updating this inventory to reflect changes in the environment, such as new servers, applications, or organizational units. Only by knowing who has privileged access and where can you implement effective controls. 2. Access Governance and Least Privilege Once visibility is achieved, the next step is implementing access governance grounded in the principle of least privilege. This principle dictates that users should have only the minimum level of access rights necessary to perform their job functions – nothing more. Enforcing least privilege involves: Effective access governance not only minimizes the attack surface but also ensures regulatory compliance with standards like PCI DSS, GDPR, and HIPAA, which mandate strict controls on sensitive data. 3. Modeling of Rights A crucial component of holistic PAM is the modeling of rights – establishing a structured framework for how privileged access rights are assigned, managed, and monitored. This involves: Modeling of rights also considers the context in which access is granted, such as time of day, location, device, and other risk factors. This dynamic modeling can be implemented using risk-based or attribute-based access controls, ensuring that privileged access is adaptive and context-aware rather than static. By carefully modeling rights, organizations can prevent privilege creep and ensure that access policies evolve in line with business and security needs. 4. Credential and session management Privileged credentials are a prime target for attackers because they offer high-level access to critical systems. A holistic PAM solution addresses this by: Equally important is session management. By recording privileged sessions – whether through video or keystroke logs – organizations gain a comprehensive audit trail of all privileged activities. Session monitoring also enables real-time termination of suspicious behavior, limiting potential damage from insider threats or external breaches. 5. Auditing, monitoring and analytics Security is not a “set and forget” process. A robust PAM program includes continuous auditing and monitoring of privileged activities. Key elements include: These insights not only bolster security but also support regulatory compliance. Regulators increasingly require organizations to demonstrate robust auditing capabilities and the ability to investigate security incidents quickly and thoroughly. 6. Integration with broader security ecosystem Finally, a holistic PAM concept must not exist in isolation. It should integrate seamlessly with the broader security and IT ecosystem, including: Such integration enables organizations to leverage existing security investments and create a unified, adaptive defense posture that can respond swiftly to emerging threats. Privileged access remains one of the most critical and vulnerable components of any IT infrastructure. By addressing these six parameters, organizations can move beyond fragmented, reactive approaches to PAM and instead embrace a holistic, proactive security framework that adapts to evolving risks and compliance mandates. Building and maintaining a holistic PAM strategy is an ongoing journey. It requires constant vigilance, continuous improvement, and a commitment to aligning security with business needs. If you’d like to assess your current PAM maturity or explore solutions to implement these principles effectively, feel free to connect with us:  info@patecco.com; +49 (0) 23 23 – 9 87 97 96 . Securing privileged access isn’t just about technology – it’s about safeguarding your organization’s most valuable assets.

Why PAM is Critical for Incident Response

As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the speed and effectiveness of an organization’s incident response capabilities can be the difference between minor disruption and catastrophic damage. Among the many security tools and strategies involved in a mature IR program, Privileged Access Management (PAM) stands out as a foundational control that often goes underappreciated – until an incident occurs. Privileged accounts are a prime target for attackers because they offer elevated access to critical systems, sensitive data, and security configurations. Whether it’s a ransomware attack, insider threat, or third-party compromise, incidents often involve the abuse or hijacking of privileged credentials. This makes PAM not just a preventive control, but a vital player in detection, containment, and recovery phases of incident response. This article highlights why PAM matters in incident response, highlighting how it strengthens visibility, accountability, and resilience throughout the incident response lifecycle. PAM as a preventive control The best incident is the one that never happens – and PAM plays a key role in prevention by minimizing the attack surface. By enforcing least privilege principles, PAM ensures users only have access to the systems and information they need, and only for the time they need it. Features like just-in-time (JIT) access, session time limits, and credential vaulting reduce persistent privileges, making it significantly harder for attackers to find and exploit powerful accounts. Moreover, PAM tools often integrate with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and adaptive access policies, providing layered security that deters unauthorized access even if credentials are stolen. Strengthening visibility, traceability, and audit readiness During and after a security incident, one of the most urgent and recurring questions for incident response teams is: “What happened, who was involved, and what was affected?” The ability to answer these questions quickly and accurately is crucial for effective containment, remediation, and regulatory compliance. Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions play a central role in delivering this clarity. By providing comprehensive, real-time logging, session recording, and behavioral analytics of all privileged activities, PAM establishes a detailed and tamper-resistant audit trail. This includes actions performed by internal administrators, external vendors, automated services, and even temporary elevated sessions – all of which are commonly targeted during an attack. This level of traceability empowers security teams to: Beyond its value in technical forensics, this evidence is vital for fulfilling legal and compliance obligations. Whether responding to GDPR, SOX, HIPAA, or internal audit demands, PAM provides the reliable documentation needed for post-incident reviews, regulatory disclosures, and executive reporting – ensuring organizations remain accountable, transparent, and audit-ready under pressure. How PAM Helps isolate and neutralize threats Once a breach is detected, swift containment is critical to minimize its impact. Privileged Access Management supports this by enabling security teams to quickly revoke access, rotate credentials, block suspicious sessions, and isolate compromised accounts or systems. With centralized control over all privileged access, PAM allows organizations to respond decisively and consistently, avoiding delays caused by fragmented or undocumented administrative access. Additionally, integration with SOAR and SIEM tools enables automated response actions, further accelerating containment efforts. Supporting recovery and resilience In the aftermath of an incident, restoring normal operations must be balanced with securing the environment to prevent recurrence. PAM assists in recovery by: In ransomware cases, for example, PAM helps restore privileged access in a controlled manner, ensuring credentials are not re-used from pre-attack configurations. For compliance-driven industries, PAM also supports documentation efforts required for audits, reporting, and governance reviews. Integrating PAM into the incident response framework To fully leverage PAM in incident response, organizations must treat it not as a standalone tool, but as a strategic component of their broader security architecture. This involves: A well-integrated PAM system not only reacts to incidents but helps detect them early by identifying deviations in privileged behavior – often before traditional indicators of compromise are triggered. In an era where access equals risk, Privileged Access Management is not optional – it’s essential. Its role in preventing, detecting, and responding to security incidents makes it one of the most valuable investments an organization can make in its incident response strategy. By minimizing risk exposure, enhancing visibility, and enabling swift, informed action during a crisis, PAM transforms privileged access from a liability into a pillar of security resilience. Organizations that recognize this are not only better prepared for incidents – they are also better positioned to build trust, meet compliance demands, and recover stronger from cyber adversity. If your organization is seeking a reliable PAM partner with the capability to act decisively and scale effectively, feel free to reach us out at info@patecco.com or call +49 (0) 23 23 – 9 87 97 96 .

The Importance of IAM, PAM and Managed Services for Securing Digital Payments

The role of key technologies In an environment of growing cyber threats, regulatory pressure, and expectations for uninterrupted service, global payment technology companies must maintain a secure, resilient, and auditable infrastructure to support digital payment processing. This is the reason why Identity and Access Management (IAM), Privileged Access Management (PAM), and Managed Services have become essential components of modern security strategies. IAM ensures that only authorized users can access critical systems and data, PAM protects and monitors privileged accounts to prevent abuse or breaches, and Managed Services provide ongoing expertise, oversight, and scalability to support 24/7 security operations and compliance requirements. Real risks without these solutions Example 1: Compromised employee password Scenario:A hacker uses phishing to obtain a username and password of an employee from the transaction approval department. With these credentials, they attempt to access the system and redirect payments. How IAM helps: Example 2: Misuse of administrative access Scenario:A system administrator has full access to the transaction database and decides to manipulate data or exfiltrate information to a competitor. How PAM helps: Example 3: DDoS attack or payment platform outage Scenario:A financial corporation is hit by a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack or experiences a critical software bug during peak hours. How Managed Services help: Example 4: Regulatory non-compliance (PCI DSS, GDPR, DORA) Scenario:During an audit, the company cannot prove who accessed customer data and when. How IAM and PAM help: Kay takeaways If your organization is seeking a reliable IAM partner with the capability to act decisively and scale effectively, feel free to reach us out at info@patecco.com or call +49 (0) 23 23 – 9 87 97 96 .

Five IAM Misconfigurations That Can Cost You Millions

As traditional perimeters fade, identity now defines the frontline of security – and it’s where many breaches begin. Misconfigurations in Identity and Access Management (IAM) remain one of the most common and costly vulnerabilities organizations face today. They’re not just technical oversights –  they are open doors waiting to be exploited. Here are five IAM misconfigurations we frequently encounter, why they’re dangerous, and how to proactively fix them before they lead to breaches, fines, or worse. 1. Orphaned Accounts The problem: Users leave the organization, but their accounts — and access — remain active. These forgotten identities can easily be hijacked by attackers, especially if they belong to former employees with elevated privileges. The fix: 2. Excessive Privileges The problem: Employees accumulate access over time — often due to role changes or temporary projects — but rarely lose it. Over time, this results in users having far more access than they need. The fix: 3. Overuse of Admin Rights The problem: When everyone is an admin, no one is secure. Overprivileged accounts increase your attack surface and the potential damage from account compromise. The fix: 4. No MFA on Critical Systems The problem: Despite being one of the simplest security measures, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is still not consistently enforced across sensitive systems. This leaves critical access points — like VPNs or cloud admin consoles — vulnerable to credential theft. The fix: 5. Lack of Visibility and Logging The problem: If you don’t know who accessed what, when, or why — you can’t detect breaches, investigate incidents, or prove compliance. Flying blind is not a strategy. The fix: IAM isn’t just an IT concern – it’s a core pillar of enterprise security. These five misconfigurations are not theoretical risks – they’re real, recurring gaps that attackers are actively exploiting. Fortunately, they’re also preventable. By proactively addressing these weak points, you not only reduce your risk exposure but also strengthen your organization’s security posture, resilience, and trustworthiness. Whether you have questions about cybersecurity, need advice on IAM solutions, or want to explore a potential collaboration, feel free to reach out at info@patecco.com or call +49 (0) 23 23 – 9 87 97 96 .

Success Story: How Uniper SE Strengthened Its Cybersecurity with PATECCO’s Managed Services

As a major international energy provider, Uniper SE faced high security and compliance demands across its widespread infrastructure. When the company sought to secure privileged access to its systems – spanning headquarters in Düsseldorf and power plants throughout Europe – it turned to PATECCO. The goal was to implement a robust Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution and ensure its long-term operation through a tailored managed service. What began as a security necessity rapidly transformed into a strategic partnership that modernized Uniper’s access control and compliance landscape. Uniper SE is a leading international energy company headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. With a vast network of power plants and energy trading operations across Europe, the company plays a critical role in ensuring energy supply security across the region. Its business spans the generation and storage of electricity and natural gas, as well as the trading of commodities such as power, emission certificates, LNG, and coal. Given the scope and sensitivity of its operations, Uniper places a high priority on cybersecurity, particularly around the management of privileged accounts. To meet the growing need for secure access to critical systems, Uniper sought to implement a robust Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution. The challenge was to deploy this system rapidly across both its corporate headquarters and remote power plant locations – all while meeting strict regulatory requirements. In addition to the implementation, Uniper also required long-term operational support. This included continuous system monitoring, on-call availability for specific access requests, and seamless integration into existing service management platforms. The company needed a reliable partner who could not only deliver a technical solution but also manage and improve it over time. Uniper chose PATECCO as its trusted partner based on its extensive experience in implementing and managing IAM and PAM solutions, particularly in highly regulated industries. PATECCO stood out due to its ability to combine deep technical expertise with reliable managed services and a tailored approach to client needs. What made PATECCO particularly attractive was its proven capability to integrate PAM with existing systems and processes. A crucial element for Uniper was the integration of PAM into its ServiceNow environment – something PATECCO was able to custom-develop and adapt specifically for Uniper’s workflows. PATECCO implemented a comprehensive PAM system within a remarkably short time frame, deploying it at Uniper’s headquarters in Düsseldorf and across its various power plant locations. In parallel, PATECCO established a Managed Service Contract to ensure the continued operation and optimization of the solution. This managed service included 24/7 monitoring of privileged access activities, the ability to respond quickly to access-related incidents through an on-call support model, and the continuous fine-tuning of PAM configurations as Uniper’s needs evolved. PATECCO’s services also encompassed governance mechanisms such as monthly management reporting and review meetings to ensure transparency and alignment with business goals. Another critical component of the solution was full compliance with ISO 27001 standards. All operations were aligned with information security best practices, providing Uniper with audit-readiness and reduced compliance risk. By partnering with PATECCO, Uniper successfully deployed a secure and centralized PAM solution that significantly reduced the risk of unauthorized access and helped safeguard its most critical assets. The managed service model alleviated internal workloads by outsourcing the day-to-day operations and monitoring of the PAM system. Uniper also benefited from enhanced process transparency and governance, thanks to structured monthly reporting and constant communication between both teams. The tailored integration with ServiceNow ensured seamless access management workflows, further boosting operational efficiency. PATECCO’s end-to-end service delivery, commitment to compliance, and close customer alignment made it possible for Uniper to turn a security necessity into a business enabler.This collaboration marked Uniper’s first Managed Service project for Privileged Access Management – a milestone that demonstrated the value of choosing the right strategic partner. Curious how your organization can achieve the same level of security and efficiency? Book your free consultation with one of our experts today!

PATECCO Achieves Delinea Gold Partner Status

We are proud to announce that PATECCO is now a Gold Partner of Delinea, a global leader in Privileged Access Management (PAM). This partnership marks a significant milestone in our strategic development and further confirms our deep expertise in the field of Identity & Access Management. Delinea offers cutting-edge PAM solutions that integrate seamlessly into complex IT environments – on-premises, hybrid, or fully cloud-based. As a long-standing IAM provider, we recognize the increasing demand for intelligent, scalable security solutions that protect privileged access and support compliance requirements. With the Gold Partner status, we not only demonstrate our technological competence but also reaffirm our commitment to helping organizations safeguard their digital identities. To ensure we continue delivering top-tier services, we will train at least three new colleagues this year in Delinea products, equipping them with the skills needed to handle any customer scenario. This ongoing investment in our team ensures that we remain agile, expert, and ready for the most complex challenges in the PAM landscape. We are also taking a big step towards strengthening our Managed Service offerings: we are currently building our own Security Operation Center (SoC) in Bochum, specifically designed to support and monitor all Delinea solutions we work with. For customers interested in a professional managed service, this means dedicated support, rapid response times, and tailored solutions – right here from Germany. Our growth doesn’t stop there – we are actively expanding our operations in Austria and Switzerland, bringing our proven expertise in PAM and IAM to a wider customer base in the DACH region. Local presence, combined with international experience, ensures our clients receive both personalized service and cutting-edge solutions. One of our key strengths is that we independently conduct all Proof of Concepts (PoCs). That means fast, efficient implementation and customized demonstrations tailored to each client’s unique infrastructure and goals. It’s a hands-on way to experience the power of Delinea solutions before going live. The Gold Partnership between PATECCO and Delinea marks a powerful alliance in the field of Identity and Access Management. With a clear focus on customer-centric solutions, continued investment in expert training, and the development of our own Security Operations Center, we are well-positioned to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready PAM services. This is more than just a partnership – it’s a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and trust.

New Whitepaper by PATECCO – „How PAM Enhances Your Organization’s Security Posture“

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve at a rapid pace, organizations face increasing challenges in safeguarding sensitive data, critical systems, and user access. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and the stakes higher than ever, ensuring robust security measures is paramount. One of the most effective strategies to mitigate risks and enhance security is through Privileged Access Management (PAM). In our latest whitepaper, „How PAM Enhances Your Organization’s Security Posture“, we provide an in-depth exploration of the critical role PAM plays in modern cybersecurity. Designed for IT professionals, security leaders, and decision-makers, this whitepaper highlights how PAM helps organizations secure their most sensitive systems and data by managing and monitoring access to privileged accounts. Key Insights from the Whitepaper: 1. Overview of PAM and its Role in Modern Cybersecurity▪ Discover how Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a fundamental part of modern cybersecurity, offering centralized control and monitoring of high-level access to critical systems and data. 2. The Evolving Threat Landscape – Why PAM Matters More Than Ever▪ Understand the increasing complexity of cyber threats and how PAM helps organizations mitigate risks by managing and securing privileged accounts, which are prime targets for cyberattacks. 3. Key Components of a PAM Solution▪ Explore the core elements of an effective PAM solution, such as real-time session monitoring, detailed activity logging, and secure credential management, which work together to ensure better control and visibility over privileged access. 4. PAM’s Strategic Benefits for Organizations▪ Learn how PAM not only strengthens security but also enhances compliance, reduces the risk of insider threats, and boosts operational efficiency, making it a critical tool for organizations‘ long-term success. Why Should You Read This Whitepaper? This whitepaper serves as an essential resource for any organization looking to strengthen its security posture with a comprehensive and scalable approach to managing privileged access. Whether you’re just beginning your PAM journey or are looking to optimize your existing solution, this guide offers valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of modern cybersecurity. Download the Whitepaper TodayTo learn more about how PAM can enhance your organization’s security posture and mitigate the risks associated with privileged access, download our whitepaper now.

Integrating IAM, PAM, and Zero Trust – PATECCO’s Strategy for Holistic Cybersecurity Protection

As technology continues to advance, businesses are constantly confronted with escalating cybersecurity challenges. With an increase in cyber threats, data breaches, and complex IT environments, companies need robust solutions to protect sensitive information and maintain compliance. PATECCO offers a unique approach to cybersecurity by seamlessly integrating Identity and Access Management (IAM), Privileged Access Management (PAM), and Zero Trust principles into one cohesive strategy. This article highlights how PATECCO’s comprehensive cybersecurity framework can help businesses safeguard their digital assets and enhance their security posture. IAM, PAM and Zero Trust as crucial tools for modern cybersecurity Before diving into how these components work together, it’s important to understand what IAM, PAM, and Zero Trust are, and why they are crucial for modern enterprises. IAM manages digital identities and controls access to resources, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data. PAM focuses on securing access to critical systems by privileged users, preventing exploitation of elevated privileges. Zero Trust, a security framework, operates on the principle that no user or device should be trusted by default, with every access request being authenticated and authorized based on identity, device, and context, reducing the attack surface. Why Integrating IAM, PAM, and Zero Trust Matters The integration of IAM, PAM, and Zero Trust is essential for achieving a robust cybersecurity strategy. When combined, these three components create a powerful security ecosystem that is proactive, adaptive, and resilient to evolving threats. By incorporating Zero Trust, PATECCO helps eliminate traditional trust boundaries within corporate networks. The combination of IAM and PAM ensures that all access to applications, data, and systems is continually verified and only provided to the right people under the right conditions. IAM and PAM work hand-in-hand to enforce the principle of least privilege. By providing users with access based on their roles and responsibilities, and by managing privileged accounts, organizations can limit access to critical resources and reduce the risk of insider threats. Zero Trust models with IAM and PAM provide a holistic approach to risk management. Access to sensitive systems and data is continuously validated and logged, which allows organizations to detect and respond to threats more efficiently. By integrating these technologies, PATECCO enables businesses to monitor every access attempt, reducing the likelihood of breaches. In addition to strengthening security, the integration of IAM, PAM, and Zero Trust helps businesses stay compliant with industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. PATECCO’s approach ensures that security controls are applied consistently across the organization and that every user access event is properly authenticated and logged. This capability not only reduces the risk of non-compliance but also helps businesses maintain an auditable trail of access activities. Such records are essential for internal audits and regulatory reporting, making it easier for businesses to meet stringent compliance requirements while also strengthening their security posture. Benefits of IAM, PAM, and Zero Trust Integration Integrating IAM, PAM, and Zero Trust offers numerous benefits for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture. The combination of these technologies creates a robust, layered security framework that ensures businesses are well-equipped to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats. By adopting the integrated cybersecurity solutions, businesses can expect several benefits, including: The integration of IAM, PAM, and Zero Trust ensures that any unauthorized access or suspicious behavior is promptly detected, enabling quick response and mitigation of threats. By enforcing strict access controls and monitoring privileged accounts, the risk of insider threats is minimized, helping to protect sensitive company data. Automated compliance features and detailed reporting make it easier for organizations to adhere to industry regulations and maintain audit trails. A unified approach to cybersecurity streamlines processes, reduces complexity, and improves the overall security posture of the organization. PATECCO’s strategy to integrate Identity and Access Management, Privileged Access Management, and Zero Trust principles represents a holistic approach to cybersecurity that addresses the dynamic threat environment faced by organizations today. By harmonizing these critical components, PATECCO not only enhances the security framework but also fosters a culture of continuous vigilance and adaptability in the face of emerging cyber threats. This multifaceted approach serves as a blueprint for organizations aiming to strengthen their cybersecurity postures while facilitating innovation and growth in an increasingly interconnected environment.

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