PAM 
An audit trail, also known as an audit log, records actions and operations within an organization’s system in great chronological detail. Audit trails can be used
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Published on December 30, 2024
The main difference between Just-in-Time (JIT) access and Just Enough Privilege (JEP) is that JIT access focuses on how long access is granted, which is only on an as-needed basis. On the other hand, JEP focuses on what access is granted. Although both strategies minimize the risk of standing privileges, JIT access and JEP function in different ways with different priorities.
Continue reading to learn more about JIT access, JEP, their key differences and how they work together in access management.
What is Just-in-Time (JIT) access?
Just-in-Time (JIT) access ensures that both human users and machines receive elevated privileges in real time for a specific duration to perform a certain task. With JIT access, authorized users can access privileged data only when needed, rather than having access at all times – otherwise known as standing access. This limits how long employees can access privileged systems, reducing the attack surface and other security risks.
What is Just Enough Privilege (JEP)?
Just Enough Privilege (JEP) limits what a user can access, giving them just enough access to perform their job. JEP is derived from the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP), which limits the amount of access granted to minimize cybersecurity risks like insider threats.
The key differences between just-in-time access and just enough privilege
Both JIT and JEP minimize security risks and control privileged access, but they focus on different areas.
JIT access is time-based, whereas JEP is role-based
With JIT access, a user receives access only when needed and for a certain timeframe. JEP, on the other hand, grants users the least amount of access necessary based on their role. For example, when a system administrator requires temporary access to troubleshoot a server issue, they are granted time-limited privileges. Once the issue is resolved, those privileges are revoked.
JEP is role-based and prioritizes what access a user needs for their specific role. For example, a junior system administrator managing user accounts in a system would not require full administrative access. Instead, JEP ensures that the junior administrator is assigned limited privileges, allowing them to interact only with the tools and data necessary for user account management.
JIT access focuses on short-term, time-limited access, while JEP focuses on long-term, ongoing access
While JIT access focuses on granting time-limited access in the short term, JEP grants ongoing access for the long term. JIT access provides privileged access for only a short period, expiring once you complete a specific task.
JEP provides privileged access limited to the permissions necessary for your specific role; however, it does not limit how long you get that access. For example, if you’re a director who needs frequent access to confidential reports, you will receive continuous access to view that sensitive information.
JIT access requires users to request and justify access each time they need it; JEP does not
You must request elevated permissions each time you need to access privileged information with JIT access, but JEP provides ongoing access as long as your role doesn’t require additional access. With JEP, you do not need to request and justify access to privileged information each time, as long as your role remains unchanged.
JIT access and JEP have different use cases
Both JIT access and JEP reduce cybersecurity risks, but JIT access is more often used for temporary or emergency situations, while JEP is more often used for ongoing, controlled access. If an administrator needs to troubleshoot an issue to prevent accounts from being compromised, they should be granted temporary privileges in an emergency with JIT access. Once the issue is resolved, the administrator’s temporary access is revoked, reducing the organization’s security risks. In contrast, JEP is beneficial when certain roles require ongoing yet limited access to privileged information.
How JIT and JEP work together in access management
JIT access and JEP work together in Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) to provide a more secure way of controlling privileged access. By implementing both JIT access and JEP, organizations can control access for temporary, time-limited tasks and ongoing, role-based responsibilities. Here are the benefits of using JIT access and JEP together in your organization:
- Enhanced security: Combining JIT access and JEP minimizes the risks of data breaches by ensuring users can access only the specific resources required for their roles and only for the necessary time.
- Improved compliance: With JIT and JEP, organizations can prove that privileged access adheres to compliance requirements, as sensitive data can only be accessed under strict controls and circumstances.
- Operational efficiency: Incorporating both JIT access and JEP allows organizations to operate more efficiently and productively, as JIT access occurs as needed, and JEP reduces time spent granting access to users in static roles.
Enhance security with JIT and JEP through KeeperPAM®
To securely manage privileged access within your organization, you should improve your security with KeeperPAM®, which enhances security with both JIT access and JEP. Using KeeperPAM, you can grant privileged users access only when needed and for a limited time.
Request a demo of KeeperPAM today to enhance your organization’s security and effectively manage privileged access.
