Just-in-Time Access (JIT) is a security practice that grants users privileged access only for as long as they need it to complete a task. After users complete the task, JIT revokes their privileges. Such a time constraint helps JIT minimize the attack surface by reducing the risk of excessive permissions.
As a fundamental practice to reduce excessive access privileges, JIT access security is integral to implementing the Principle of Least Privilege and Zero Trust security models.
In this article, we will explore what Just-in-Time Access (JIT) is and how it works. We will also discuss the benefits of JIT access for your business and how to implement it in your organization.
ELI5: What is Just-in-Time Access (JIT)?
Just-in-Time Access (JIT) is like a special key to a room that only works when you need to enter and stops working once you are done. It gives you special access to a system or application, but only for a limited time and only when you need it. This way, it is harder for someone else to sneak in when you are not using the room.
In stark contrast, standard access would be like having a key to the room at all times. You can enter and leave whenever you want. But this also means that if someone else gets your key, they can enter the room too, even when you are not there. Just-in-Time Access changes this by giving you the key when you need it and taking it back when you are done.
This begs the question: Can we trust the entity that gives and takes keys away? And what if somebody steals the key from that entity? That is a great question, so let’s answer it.
The Security of JIT
The entity that gives and takes the keys away in a Just-in-Time (JIT) access system is typically a secure server or service that manages access control. This entity is designed to be highly secure and is often protected by multiple layers of security measures. For example, many JIT systems use advanced cryptographic techniques to secure the access tokens (keys in our analogy). Even if an attacker were to steal a key, they would also need to break the encryption in order to use it.
However, as with any system, there is always a risk. If an attacker were to gain control of this secure server, they could potentially manipulate access controls. This is why it is crucial to protect the security server with robust security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, regular security audits, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
How Does Just-in-Time Access (JIT) Work?
Thanks to Just-in-Time Access (JIT), users are only granted access when they require it, eliminating the risks associated with giving them more privileges than they need. This prevents privilege creep from occurring in the organization.
Here’s how Just-in-Time Access (JIT) works:
- Request: A user requests access to a resource.
- Approval: An administrator approves the request.
- Access: The system grants the user access to the resource for a predefined period of time.
- Revocation: After the predefined period has elapsed, the system automatically revokes access.
The organization’s security team or IT department monitor JIT access usage to ensure compliance with policies. They might also review policies and update them periodically to ensure they remain effective.
The JIT Workflow Can Be Manual or Automated
A manual JIT workflow is a scenario similar to the one described above. An administrator has to approve the user’s access manually to access a resource. In contrast, an automated JIT workflow is a use case where an automated platform validates the request.
Automated JIT workflows have several benefits over manual JIT workflows. JIT workflow automation can improve efficiency and effectiveness by speeding up task management and completion, cutting back on labor costs, reducing errors in processing, and streamlining approval processes.
The Benefits of Just-in-Time Access (JIT) for Your Business
Just-in-Time Access (JIT) has many benefits for your business, such as:
- Reduced Risk of Data Breaches: JIT access reduces the risk of data breaches by granting access to sensitive data only when it’s needed.
- Improved Compliance: Just-in-time access helps organizations meet compliance requirements by providing an audit trail of who accessed what data and when.
- Increased Productivity: Automated JIT access allows employees to access the resources they need to do their jobs quickly without having to wait for IT to grant them access.
- Reduced Costs: Automated Just-in-Time access reduces costs associated with managing user accounts and permissions by automating the process.
- Enhanced Security: JIT access enhances security by reducing the attack surface and minimizing the risk of privilege escalation.
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How to Implement Just-in-Time Access (JIT) for Your Organization
Here are some steps to implement Just-in-Time Access (JIT) for your organization:
- Identify Resources: Identify which resources require JIT access.
- Define Roles: Define roles that require JIT access.
- Configure Policies: Configure policies that enforce JIT access.
- Enable JIT Access: Enable JIT access for your resources.
- Monitor Usage: Monitor usage of JIT access to ensure compliance with policies.
- Review and Update Policies: Review and update policies periodically to ensure they remain effective.
Just-in-Time (JIT) vs. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Just-in-Time (JIT) access and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are two essential security practices that can help organizations improve their security posture. JIT access grants users privileged access for only the amount of time needed to complete the task or action. After that, it revokes the privileges. MFA is a security practice that requires users to provide two or more forms of authentication before granting access to a resource.
By combining JIT access and MFA, organizations can further enhance their security posture by reducing the attack surface and minimizing the risk of privilege escalation. JIT access ensures that users have access to sensitive data only when it’s needed, while MFA provides an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of authentication.
Start Free Rublon MFA Trial
Rublon MFA is the ultimate multi-factor authentication solution for your organization. It works seamlessly with your existing identity provider and supports various authentication methods, such as SMS, email, push notifications, QR codes, and FIDO security keys. You can also enjoy advanced features, such as adaptive authentication, device management, and user self-service.
Rublon MFA is the perfect partner for your JIT access security. It ensures that only authorized users can access your resources, even if they have JIT access. It also adds an extra layer of security to your JIT access workflow. Rublon does that by requiring users to authenticate themselves before and after they request access. This way, you can prevent unauthorized access, credential theft, and account takeover.
Don’t wait any longer. Start your free 30-day trial of Rublon MFA today and see for yourself how it can enhance your security with JIT access. Rublon MFA is the best MFA solution for your business.
Conclusion
Just-in-Time (JIT) access is an essential security practice that helps organizations reduce their attack surface by limiting access to sensitive data only when it’s needed. JIT access enhances security by reducing the attack surface and minimizing the risk of privilege escalation. It also helps organizations meet compliance requirements by providing an audit trail of who accessed what data and when.
If you want to learn more about how JIT access can benefit your business, contact us today. We can help you implement JIT access for your organization and provide you with the best security solutions.
