Just-In-Time (JIT) Access

What is Just-In-Time (JIT) access?

Just-In-Time (JIT) access is a privileged access management strategy where elevated permissions are provisioned only when required and revoked once the task is complete. Instead of maintaining permanent administrative rights, users request access for specific activities, which is automatically granted based on predefined policies or workflows.

Why is JIT access important?

Traditional privileged accounts are prime targets for attackers. Just-in-Time access is important because it removes standing privileges that attackers can exploit, reduces insider threats by limiting misuse opportunities, supports compliance with auditable and time-bound access, simplifies enforcement of least privilege across hybrid IT environments, and aligns with Zero Trust principles by continuously verifying access requests.

How does JIT access work?

• Access request: A user or application requests elevated access for a defined task.
• Policy enforcement: Automated rules or approvals determine whether access is granted.
• Time-bound session: Access is limited to a specific period or task duration.
• Automatic revocation: Privileges are revoked when the session ends.
• Auditing and monitoring: All activity during the session is logged for accountability and compliance.

What are common JIT access scenarios?

• Granting temporary admin rights to IT staff for system updates.
• Providing developers with elevated access to troubleshoot production systems.
• Enabling contractors or third parties to access resources for limited engagements.
• Allowing applications or automation tools to elevate privileges only during execution.

Use Cases

• Healthcare: Grants clinicians or IT staff time-bound access to sensitive systems for maintenance, reducing HIPAA compliance risks.
• Financial Services: Provides temporary privileges for auditors or developers to access transaction systems, minimizing fraud risk.
• Government & Legal: Ensures officials or contractors only have elevated rights during approved projects, protecting classified data.
• Cloud & SaaS Providers: Applies JIT to APIs, workloads, and administrative accounts, preventing excessive standing privileges in shared environments.

How Netwrix can help

Netwrix supports Just-In-Time access through privileged access management, identity governance, and continuous auditing. With Netwrix solutions, organizations can:

• Provision elevated rights only when necessary and automatically revoke them afterward.
• Monitor privileged sessions for abnormal activity.
• Reduce attack surfaces by eliminating standing admin accounts.
• Provide detailed audit trails to demonstrate compliance.

This approach strengthens security while maintaining operational efficiency.

Suggested Resources

• Netwrix Privileged Access Management
• What Is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?