What is Just in Time Access?

What is just in time access?

Just-in-Time (JIT) Access is a security practice where users, applications, or devices are granted access to systems, resources, or data only for a limited period of time — and only when it’s absolutely necessary.

How it Works

Instead of giving permanent access (which increases risk), JIT access allows users to request access when they need it, and that access automatically expires after a set duration. This minimizes the exposure window and reduces the chances of unauthorized access if credentials are compromised.

Why should you use just in time access?

1. Minimize the Attack Surface

The more people (or devices) who have standing access to sensitive systems, the bigger your attack surface. If an attacker compromises one of those accounts, they have free rein.
With JIT, access only exists when it’s needed — reducing the window of opportunity for attackers.

2. Reduce Insider Threats

Sometimes security risks come from within — either through accidental misuse or intentional abuse. JIT limits access so employees, contractors, or vendors only have permissions when actively needed, and only for a set time.

3. Enforce the Principle of Least Privilege

JIT fits perfectly with least privilege — only give the absolute minimum access necessary to complete the task at hand, and only for the duration needed. No permanent access = lower risk.

4. Enhance Regulatory Compliance

Regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and NIST encourage limiting access to sensitive data and systems. JIT helps by ensuring you can prove access was limited, temporary, and fully logged.

5. Support Zero Trust Security

In a Zero Trust model, you never automatically trust users or devices. Every access request is evaluated in real-time based on:

• Who’s requesting access
• What device they’re using
• Whether the device is compliant
• What they need access to — and for how long

JIT fits this perfectly — access is only granted if all conditions are met, and it automatically expires when no longer needed.

6. Stronger Vendor and Contractor Controls

Third-party vendors often introduce risk. JIT ensures vendors only get access during approved windows, for specific systems, and never have standing access to your network.

Bonus: Works Great with Portnox

Combine JIT with Portnox NAC and you can:

• Tie access directly to device posture and compliance.
• Automatically revoke network access when time runs out — or if the device falls out of compliance.
• Maintain a clear audit trail of who requested access, why, and for how long.

What is the difference between JIT (Just in Time) access and JEA (Just Enough Access)?

Just-in-Time (JIT) Access and Just Enough Access (JEA) are closely related concepts, but they focus on different aspects of access control. Here’s a clear breakdown of the differences:

Just-in-Time (JIT) Access

JIT access controls when access is granted.

• Access is only granted for a limited time — just long enough to complete a specific task.
• After the time window expires, access is automatically revoked.
• Focus: Temporary, time-based access control.
• Example: A contractor requests admin access to a system for 2 hours to complete maintenance. After 2 hours, their access is automatically removed.

JIT solves:

• Over–permissioned accounts that sit idle but still pose a risk.
• Attackers exploiting accounts that have more access than necessary for longer than necessary.

Just Enough Access (JEA)

JEA controls how much access is granted.

• Access is limited to only the permissions required to perform a specific task — nothing more.
• Typically applies to privileged or administrative roles.
• Focus: Minimizing the scope of permissions.
• Example: A helpdesk technician needs to reset user passwords but does not need full domain admin rights. JEA gives them just the password reset capability — and nothing else.

JEA solves:

• Excessive privileges that give users more power than they actually need.
• Reducing the blast radius if an account is compromised.

Do They Work Together?

Yes — and they should.
A strong security strategy combines JIT + JEA, meaning users get access only:

• For the time they need it (JIT), and
• With the absolute minimum permissions required (JEA).

Why is JIT (Just in Time) access better than JIC (Just in Case) access?

Here’s a clear explanation of why Just-in-Time (JIT) access is generally better than Just-in-Case (JIC) access when it comes to security and access management.

What is Just-in-Case (JIC) Access?

JIC access means granting permissions in advance — “just in case” someone might need them later.
This is the traditional approach where users (especially admins) are given standing access to systems, applications, or data, even if they only occasionally need it.

Example: A system admin gets permanent admin rights to all production servers, even though they only log into those servers once a month.

What is Just-in-Time (JIT) Access?

JIT access means granting permissions only when they are actually needed — and automatically removing them when the task is complete.
This limits how long sensitive permissions exist, dramatically reducing exposure and risk.

Example: That same admin requests access to a production server only when they need to perform maintenance. Once the maintenance window ends, their elevated access is automatically revoked.

Key Benefits of JIT Over JIC

1. Reduced Attack Surface

Accounts with standing privileges are a huge target. If they get compromised, the attacker has full access immediately.
With JIT, access exists only for a short window, shrinking the opportunity for attackers.

2. Better Insider Threat Protection

Whether intentional or accidental, internal misuse is harder with JIT because access doesn’t exist until it’s requested, reviewed, and approved.

3. Improved Audit and Compliance

Auditors love JIT because every access request is logged and justified. With JIC, it’s much harder to explain why someone had standing admin rights for months.

4. Supports Zero Trust

Zero Trust is built on continuous verification — JIT fits perfectly because it asks “why now?” every time someone requests access. JIC assumes trust, which is exactly what Zero Trust aims to eliminate.

Summary

• JIT = access as needed, temporary, lower risk, better visibility.
• JIC = always-on access, higher risk, harder to track and justify.

If you need flexibility without sacrificing security, JIT is the way to go.