Just-in-time access (JIT access or on-demand access) is an approach to access management that allows users to gain access to resources, systems, and applications on an as-needed basis, for a limited time, and only for the specific task or function they need to perform. JIT access is a way to minimize the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches by limiting access to only those who need it, when they need it. With JIT access, instead of providing users with permanent access to resources (otherwise known as birthright access), access is granted for a limited time window, such as a few hours or a day, based on the user's need for access. This allows organizations to maintain tight control over access privileges and reduce the risk of insider threats or external attacks.

In a deeper article, we discuss the details of just-in-time and birthright access and how to manage least privilege at scale. JIT access is often implemented using an identity and access management (IAM) system, such as Opal, that is capable of automatically provisioning and de-provisioning access rights based on user activity and policies. This approach can reduce the administrative burden of managing access privileges manually while also providing more granular control over access to sensitive resources. JIT access is often used in industries that require a high level of security, such as healthcare, finance, and government, where access to sensitive data must be tightly controlled to ensure compliance with regulations and protect against data breaches. To see an example of just-in-time access, you can learn more about our product.