Enterprises with a large number of devices, users, and applications usually have multiple policies running concurrently. Administrators managing these endpoints are often faced with unprecedented situations that aren't covered by those policies; in cases like this, a contingency solution is crucial to minimize the loss of productivity.
Additionally, scenarios where specific user requirements last only for a particular period of time also arise. Not only is it inefficient to create permanent policies based on these temporary needs, but it can also end up creating privilege creeps in the network.
Application Control Plus enables administrators to create policies that determine which computers are authorized to access applications. The privileges with which they run those applications can also be managed using the Endpoint Privilege Management feature. Users with temporary requirements for the unmanaged applications or the blocked applications can be granted on-demand access for specific time periods. It eliminates the risks associated with providing continuous administrative rights and allows the administrators to have granular control and tailor application access and elevation policies to meet specific needs. It can be configured to be applied to all applications or specific applications based on a wide range of criteria.
Note: Just-in-time access is specifically built for Strict Mode.
Policies deployed in Strict Mode allow users to access only the applications allowlisted to them. All blocklisted and unmanaged applications will remain blocked in this mode. By enabling just-in-time access, users with short-term needs can access all unmanaged applications, specific applications, or even the blocklisted applications. The authorized duration of access can also be specified while creating the just-in-time access policy, ensuring unnecessary permissions are revoked once the requirements are fulfilled.
The end-user can be given just-in-time privileged access to all unmanaged applications or certain applications by enabling this feature. Once the just-in-time access policy is deployed, users will be allowed to self-elevate their privileges to all unmanaged applications or specific applications for the time limit specified.
Specific applications can be selected to be allowlisted or for privilege elevation based on a variety of rule types such as Vendor, Product, Verified Executable, File Hash, Folder Path, and StoreApp. This helps you to allow a particular vendor's suite of tools, elevating access to a crucial product, or ensuring that only verified executables can run with elevated permissions, and thus ensures the management of application access with precision.
Just-in-time access is designed to combat both of these issues simultaneously by giving users on-demand access and privileges to run applications. In order to ensure maximum security, these just-in-time rights are automatically revoked once the user's requirements are satisfied.
Let's look at a few instances when an organization would require the just-in-time access feature:
If you have associated allowlists to user devices based on their roles, they will have access only to those applications that are required to fulfill their job requirements. In the event of a collaboration between employees of different job roles, they might need to jointly access applications that extend beyond their normal needs. Just-in-Time access (JIT) to all applications can be enabled for such user devices enabling them to collaborate efficiently for the time period that is required.
External technicians who are called in to maintain or fix issues with the computers and servers will require access or elevated privileges to applications in some scenarios. Instead of sharing privileged credentials or giving them access to admin accounts, using Just-in-Time access (JIT), application-level privileges alone can be elevated for the required time duration. This would allow technicians to securely run applications as administrators even from standard accounts with minimum privileges.
Avoid including contract employees or freelance employees in permanent policies. Create just-in-time access (JIT) policies specific for these user-devices to ensure their streamlined management. The access duration can be set to end as soon as their contract expires.
The principle of least privilege refers to the concept of lowering enterprise-wide privileges to the bare minimum required to perform an entity's job. Even though this principle is widely advocated, enterprises shy away from establishing it due to the complexities involved. Application Control Plus' just-in-time access feature provides just the right amount of leeway required while establishing such principles, making implementation a breeze for enterprises.
Unprecedented needs tend to require immediate attention, but creating new policies to fit temporary needs can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Just-in-Time access lets administrators cater instantly to their users' needs, without causing any drops in productivity.
The feature for allowing access or elevation of specific applications based on several rule types ensures that users have timely access only to the applications they require, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
Packed with features like Application Allowlisting, Application Blocklisting, Endpoint Privilege Management and Flexibility Regulator, Application Control Plus is a comprehensive solution that helps to improve both productivity and security. Try free for 30 days!
When just-in-time access is enabled, privileges are elevated temporarily only for the duration specified, after which they are automatically revoked.
The success of implementing the principle of least privilege majorly depends on how prepared organizations are to handle interim needs. It is essential to use both the features, Endpoint Privilege Management and Just-in-time access control in concert, to ensure seamless implementation and functioning.