Until fairly recently, IT security strategies had a single objective: preventing unauthorized individuals from accessing the network. Those accessing the network were exclusively present within the corporate building and used machines provided and maintained by the IT department, thus earning immediate trust. However, this approach is not as effective as it once was, assuming it is/was effective at all. The modern era of cloud computing, remote working, and BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device) programs has eroded away the concept of a network perimeter. Additionally, security professionals are now more attuned to the fact that trusted individuals within a business, including administrators and employees, could intentionally or unintentionally use their access to cause security breaches or system outages. In response to the current security landscape, a fresh strategy has emerged, known as Zero Trust. This article will elaborate on Zero Trust and explore a growing method for its implementation: just-in-time (JIT) access.
What is Zero Trust?
Zero Trust is an approach to cybersecurity that assumes that every user and every device on a network is a potential threat. It is built on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” meaning that access to resources and data is restricted based on a user’s identity, location, and other contextual factors. With Zero Trust, a user must authenticate themselves multiple times before being granted access to resources. This approach to security provides greater protection against cyberattacks and data breaches by reducing the attack surface and making it more difficult for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities. Zero Trust has become increasingly popular in recent years as businesses recognize the need for a more robust and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.
What is Just-in-Time (JIT) Access?
Typically, IT professionals in an organization possess dedicated administrative accounts that allow them elevated access to sensitive systems and data. These accounts are always accessible, whether in use or not, thus making them prime targets for cyber-attacks. To reduce the likelihood of a breach, organizations can implement just-in-time access in place of unsafe standing privileged accounts. For example, a company might use just-in-time access to grant temporary access to contractors or third-party vendors when they need to perform specific tasks or access certain systems. This approach ensures that access is only granted when needed and can be revoked immediately once the task is completed.
What are the Benefits of Implementing JIT Access?
JIT access contributes to a Zero Trust security model by reducing privileged access and offering the following benefits:
Minimized attack surface: Replacing permanent privileged accounts with temporary, least-privileged access through a defined approval workflow reduces an organization’s attack surface. This makes it more difficult for attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally, thus mitigating security risks.
Compliance and visibility: JIT access helps organizations fulfil compliance standards by restricting privileged access and tracking privileged account activity. Auditors can examine access logs to validate that access was granted for legitimate business purposes. It assists with enforcing separation of duties and the principle of least privilege, which are critical for maintaining compliance.
Increased operational efficiency: By automating the process of requesting, approving, and granting JIT access, organizations can enhance security and compliance without hindering productivity. A streamlined JIT solution enables users to access the necessary resources when required, without encountering excessive barriers or delays.
How does Lepide help with Just-in-Time (JIT) Access?
The Lepide Data Security Platform provides real-time insights into all privileged accounts on your network. Via an intuitive dashboard, you can review who (or what) has access to which systems and data, and when. This enables you to grant or revoke access to resources based on behavior analysis, ensuring that users are given access when required and that unauthorized access is prevented. Our solution also provides continuous monitoring to ensure that access remains appropriate throughout the user’s session and that any changes in behavior or access requirements are promptly addressed.
If you’d like to see how the Lepide Data Security Platform can help with the implementation of Just-in-Time Access, schedule a demo with one of our engineers or start your free trial today.
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