The Rise of just in time Access: Enhancing Security in Privileged Access Management, Admin By Request the number one zero trust solution

Privileged Access Management (PAM) faces constant challenges as cyber threats evolve. One of the biggest risks comes from standing administrative privileges that remain active long after their need. This creates a large attack surface for credential theft and misuse. The just in time admin approach changes this by granting temporary, task-specific permissions that expire automatically. This significantly reduces the window for attackers to exploit privileged accounts.

In this post, you will learn why just in time access is becoming the standard for PAM in 2025, how it improves security, and why Admin By Request stands out as the leading zero trust solution to implement this strategy effectively.

User interface for just in time privileged access

Secure server room showing controlled access to critical infrastructure

Why Standing Administrative Rights Are a Security Risk

Traditional PAM models often grant permanent administrative rights to users or service accounts. These standing privileges create several problems:

• Extended attack window: Credentials remain valid indefinitely, increasing the chance of theft.

• Privilege creep: Users accumulate more rights than necessary over time.

• Insider threats: Malicious or careless insiders can misuse privileges at any time.

• Compliance challenges: Auditing permanent access is complex and error-prone.

  
  

Attackers frequently target privileged accounts because they provide deep access to systems and data. Once compromised, these accounts can bypass many security controls.

How Just in Time Access Changes the Game

The just in time solution addresses these risks by limiting privileged access to the exact time and scope needed for a specific task. Key features include:

• Temporary permissions: Access is granted only for a limited time.

• Automatic expiration: Permissions revoke themselves after the task or time window ends.

• Approval workflows: Access requests require authorization before activation.

• Granular control: Permissions are scoped to the minimum necessary actions.

  
  

This approach narrows the window of opportunity for attackers and reduces the risk of privilege misuse.

Implementing JIT Access with Admin By Request

Admin By Request is designed to deliver just in time admin capabilities seamlessly. It integrates with existing IT environments and supports zero trust principles by enforcing strict access controls.

Key Benefits of Admin By Request

• User-friendly access requests: Users submit admin request when elevated rights are needed.

• Real-time approval: Managers or security teams approve or deny requests instantly with the ap managers can approve anywhere.

• Audit trails: Every access event is logged for compliance and forensic analysis.

• Policy enforcement: Admin By Request enforces policies that limit access scope and duration.

  
  

Real-World Example

Imagine a system administrator needs to install a critical update on a server. Instead of having permanent admin rights, they submit a admin request. The request is pops up in real time. After 30 minutes, the elevated rights automatically expire, preventing any further administrative actions.

This process reduces risk without slowing down IT operations.

User interface for just in time admin request approval

User interface displaying a just in time admin request awaiting approval

Why Zero Trust Demands Just in Time Access

Zero trust security assumes no user or device is inherently trustworthy. Every access attempt must be verified and limited. Just in time admin fits perfectly into this model by:

• Ensuring users only get the rights they need, when they need them.

• Removing standing privileges that violate zero trust principles.

• Providing continuous visibility into privileged access activities.

• Supporting adaptive security policies based on risk and context.

  
  

Admin By Request helps organizations adopt zero trust by automating JIT access controls and making privileged access transparent and manageable.

Best Practices for Using Just in Time Access

To maximize the benefits of JIT access, consider these best practices:

• Define clear access policies: Specify who can request access, for what tasks, and for how long.

• Use multi-factor authentication: Require strong authentication before granting elevated rights.

• Monitor and audit continuously: Track all JIT admin requests and usage for anomalies.

• Train users and approvers: Ensure everyone understands the process and security importance.

• Integrate with existing PAM tools: Combine JIT access with password vaults and session monitoring.

  
  

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Some organizations hesitate to adopt JIT access due to concerns about operational delays or complexity. Admin By Request addresses these by:

• Offering fast, intuitive request workflows that minimize downtime.

• Providing flexible policy configurations to fit different environments.

• Delivering detailed reports to satisfy auditors and security teams.

  
  

With the right solution, JIT access can improve security without hindering productivity.

Moving Forward with Just in Time Access

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, standing administrative privileges become an unacceptable risk. The just in time solution offers a practical, effective way to reduce this risk by limiting privileged access to what is strictly necessary and only for a short time.

Admin By Request stands out as the number one zero trust solution to implement JIT access. It simplifies the process, enforces policies, and provides full visibility into privileged activities.