Finding the right balance between IT security and employee productivity is a constant challenge for many organizations. Too often, companies are forced to choose between granting excessive privileges that create security risks or implementing restrictions that slow down operations and frustrate employees. Just-In-Time (JIT) access offers a smarter approach by completely reimagining how privileges and access are managed.

The Security vs. Productivity Dilemma

While removing local admin rights from endpoints effectively blocks many critical vulnerabilities, it also prevents users from running everyday trusted tasks that require elevated privileges.  Organizations without proper privilege management systems often find that this creates productivity bottlenecks that affect deadlines and performance metrics across teams

Remote workers face similar challenges with traditional remote access solutions like VPNs. While convenient, these tools establish persistent connections that remain vulnerable to attack. These standing privileges have become prime targets for sophisticated threat actors looking to breach enterprise networks. Modern remote access security addresses these vulnerabilities through temporary, just-in-time connections.

What is Just-In-Time Access?

Just-In-Time access transforms how organizations handle privileges by providing users with exactly what they need, when they need it, and automatically revoking access once the task completes. This approach stands in stark contrast to traditional methods that grant persistent privileges and create unnecessary security exposure.

The JIT philosophy works effectively across two critical security areas:

Local privilege elevation – Applications receive administrative privileges without granting those same permissions to the user, limiting potential damage from compromised accounts.

Remote system connections – Secure remote access systems ensure that connections only establish when genuinely needed and terminate immediately after each session completes, eliminating persistent access points.

The Benefits of Just-In-Time Access

1. Enhanced Security Posture

Endpoint security is dramatically improved, since JIT access shrinks an organization’s attack surface by:

• Minimizing the window of opportunity for attackers by shortening the time that elevated privileges exist.
• Removing standing privileges that attackers could exploit by terminating remote access sessions immediately after use.
• Establishing a default-deny environment where users operate with standard permissions and only receive elevation through approved channels.

2. Maintained (or Improved) Productivity

Unlike most security measures that sacrifice efficiency for protection, JIT access often improves productivity:

• Employees can still perform necessary administrative tasks through streamlined, approved channels
• When privilege elevation is required, routine requests receive automatic approval, reducing friction and waiting time.
• IT departments transform from constant gatekeepers into strategic enablers through automated workflows

3. Comprehensive Audit Trail

Security teams gain unprecedented visibility with JIT access implementation:

• Every privilege elevation and remote session gets logged and recorded automatically
• User accountability reaches new levels as all elevated actions trace back to specific users
• Compliance audits become straightforward verification processes thanks to detailed logs

Implementing Just-In-Time Access

Successfully implementing JIT access doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on these key elements for effective endpoint privilege management:

• Application-based elevation – Target specific applications rather than users to minimize vulnerabilities while maximizing productivity
• Streamlined request processes – Users need intuitive, fast processes to request elevation; otherwise, they’ll find workarounds
• Automated workflows – Common, low-risk elevation requests should receive automatic approval without IT intervention
• Multi-platform support – Your solution should work seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments

For implementing robust remote access security, prioritize request-based connections requiring explicit approval. Enforce multi-factor authentication for all remote sessions to verify identity properly. It is also important to configure automatic session termination after each connection completes, and maintain detailed logs of all remote activities for security oversight.

Real-World Implications

What happens without JIT security? The risks are substantial and often materialize without warning. When users operate with unrestricted local admin rights, a single malware infection can compromise an entire workstation within minutes.

This initial foothold gives attackers the launching point they need. A single compromised user with admin privileges becomes an entry point for data theft, financial system access, and establishing persistent backdoors throughout your network.

But the alternative approach (removing admin rights entirely) creates different problems. IT teams that use traditional privilege management often become overwhelmed handling basic access requests, forcing employees to wait hours or even days for simple software installations or updates. This sacrifices agility and business responsiveness in the name of security. 

The Power of Precision Access

As workforces spread across locations and time zones, JIT access becomes essential infrastructure rather than optional security. Consider what happens in your organization when someone needs elevated privileges. Is it a smooth process or a security bottleneck?

Organizations implementing modern Privilege Access Management (PAM) systems gain several competitive advantages:

• They support distributed workforces with secure access regardless of location
• They reduce operational overhead by automating routine privilege management tasks
• They maintain zero-trust security principles without creating friction that leads to workarounds

Picture this common scenario: An employee needs to install a printer driver but lacks admin rights. They submit a ticket to IT and then wait… and wait. With JIT access, that same employee makes a request that’s automatically evaluated against security policies and approved within seconds if it meets criteria. Work continues without interruption while security remains intact.

Making Security an Enabler, Not a Barrier

Just-In-Time access fundamentally changes the relationship between security and productivity. Instead of opposing forces in constant tension, JIT access aligns these goals perfectly. Enhanced security actually enables improved productivity by streamlining legitimate access while eliminating dangerous standing privileges.

By implementing JIT principles across both your endpoint security strategy and remote access systems, companies reduce their exposure to threats while ensuring employees maintain precisely the access they need to perform effectively.

Security leaders facing tough budget decisions should consider this: the question isn’t whether you can afford to implement Just-In-Time access, but whether you can afford not to as attackers increasingly target excessive privileges as their primary attack vector. 

Ready to see how Just-In-Time access can transform your organization’s security posture while boosting productivity? Start with Admin By Request’s lifetime Free Plan today and experience the benefits of JIT access for up to 25 endpoints at no cost.