What does 'just-in-time access' in Defender PAM mean?

'Just-in-time access' in the context of Defender PAM refers to the practice of granting temporary privileges to users only when they are needed to perform a specific task or function. This approach reduces the risk associated with having permanent elevated access, which could be exploited or misused. By providing access on a time-limited basis, organizations can ensure that users only have the permissions necessary to complete their work, thereby enhancing security and minimizing the attack surface.

This concept is part of a broader strategy in access management where the goal is to limit excessive permissions and ensure that access rights are granted based on the principle of least privilege. Temporary privileges are usually revoked automatically after a designated period or upon completion of a task, further safeguarding sensitive resources.

The other options do not align with the concept of 'just-in-time access.' Permanent escalated access doesn't provide the flexibility and security benefits that temporary access does. Restricting access at all times would be overly limiting and could hinder operational efficiency. Limiting access to only business hours does not address the need for immediate access when required outside of those times, which can be critical for tasks that need to be performed urgently.