If data is the new oil, then access management is the refinery—ensuring only the right people can tap into your valuable resource, at the right moment, while locking down everything else to prevent a messy spill.
Data is the driving force behind business success today, but protecting it is far from simple. Just like oil, which requires careful management to avoid disasters, your data—along with its full suite of applications, systems, and resources—demands the same level of attention to ensure it’s only accessed by those who need it.
What is Just-In-Time Access?
Just-in-Time (JIT) access ensures users get the permissions they need when they need them, and for only as long as necessary—keeping everything secure without over-complicating access. It phenomenally reduces the risks of unauthorized access, keeping your operations efficient and your data protected.
Now that we’ve established the significance of JIT access, let’s examine key use cases where it plays a critical role in strengthening security and optimizing efficiency.
Database maintenance: Elevating privileges for critical tasks
Imagine you’re a Database Administrator (DBA) managing a massive, high-stakes production database. You’re tasked with executing a complex migration script that requires elevated permissions. Without JIT access, you’d have to keep those high-level permissions permanently, which creates a security risk.
This is where Just-in-Time (JIT) access becomes crucial. Gartner predicts that an increasing number of organizations will rely on JIT control to elevate privileged access in the future.[1] The goal is to combine JIT with other security measures to enhance protection without hindering operational efficiency.
With JIT access, you can request elevated permissions only for the duration of the script’s execution. The system grants access when necessary and revokes it once the task is completed, ensuring you’re not holding onto unnecessary privileges and minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.
Why it works: By granting elevated permissions only for a specific task and timeframe, JIT access ensures that sensitive operations like database migrations happen securely.
Also read: JIT Access for MacOS
Network troubleshooting: Temporary elevated access to fix issues
Uncontrolled access is a vulnerability waiting to be exploited. Just-in-Time (JIT) access eliminates this risk by granting permissions only when needed and for the shortest time necessary, ensuring security isn’t compromised by excessive privileges. With JIT access, you can request temporary elevated privileges—just enough to troubleshoot the router and fix the issue. Once the task is completed, your access is automatically revoked, eliminating the risk of leaving unnecessary permissions open for potential threats.
Why it works: JIT access limits how long network engineers have elevated access to critical systems, reducing the chances of accidental misconfigurations or malicious activities.
Break glass/emergency system access: Instant access when it’s critical
Emergencies happen. Maybe your company’s server is under attack, and someone needs to take quick action to prevent a data breach. The problem is, that only a handful of people have the permissions needed to access and secure the system, and they may not always be available at a moment’s notice.
This is where JIT access shines. In an emergency, designated personnel can request elevated access to address the situation immediately. Once the issue is resolved, the access is revoked, minimizing the window of vulnerability.
For example, Maria, the IT security officer, might need to quickly log in to a critical server to mitigate an ongoing attack. Thanks to JIT access, she can immediately request elevated privileges to do so. Once the issue is resolved, those privileges are automatically revoked, so there’s no lingering risk.
Why it works: JIT access ensures the right people can take quick action in an emergency, but only for as long as necessary. No overexposure to sensitive systems.
Also read: JIT Access for Windows
Development access: Granting access to code deployments
Software developers frequently need to deploy code to production environments. However, these environments hold critical data and should not be exposed to unnecessary risk. Not every developer needs continuous access to production systems—just the ones working on specific code deployments or troubleshooting issues.
With JIT access, developers can request elevated access for a short period to deploy their code. Afterward, the system automatically revokes their elevated access. This allows developers to complete their work without compromising security. For instance, Tom, a lead developer, needs access to a production server to deploy an urgent code fix. He requests temporary elevated access, which is granted immediately for the task at hand. Once the code is deployed, his elevated privileges are revoked automatically.
Why It Works: JIT access gives developers the ability to deploy code securely while ensuring they don’t have ongoing access to critical systems.
Third-party vendor access: Secure, time-bound permissions
Third-party vendors often need access to internal systems to manage integrations or conduct audits. However, giving them permanent access is risky. What if their account is compromised, or they no longer need access after a project is finished?
With JIT access, vendors can request elevated access to specific systems, but only for the exact time and task required. Once their task is done, the system revokes their access automatically. For example, a vendor may need access to your cloud storage system for an audit. Instead of giving them permanent access, JIT allows them to request access for just the time needed to conduct their work. Once the audit is complete, their access is revoked.
Why it works: JIT access ensures third-party vendors only have the access they need, when they need it, without leaving lingering permissions that could pose a security risk.
The bottom line: Why Scalefusion OneIdP JIT access matters
Each of these use cases signifies that Just-in-Time (JIT) access reduces cyber risk. By minimizing privileged threat windows and attack surfaces, JIT access helps protect against ransomware, malware, and insider threats. It ensures compliance with least privilege principles and simplifies auditing while automating IT processes to efficiently manage cloud permissions.
Advanced solutions like Scalefusion OneIdP provide users with temporary elevated access to resources, automatically revoking permissions once the task is complete. Simplify access management with downloadable device reports that offer clear insights into Just-In-Time access activities. For Windows, you can elevate app-wide account access, while for macOS, you can elevate entire user accounts. Monitor activity logs to track and analyze temporary admin access, helping you boost efficiency and streamline operations.
If your organization isn’t already implementing JIT access, it’s time to consider it. With growing cybersecurity threats and increasing regulatory demands, implementing JIT is no longer just a best practice; it’s a necessity.
So, ask yourself: Why leave access open longer than needed when JIT access can automatically handle it for you? It’s time to tighten your security, boost compliance, and streamline operations—all by leveraging the power of Just-in-Time access.
