What does "just-in-time access" mean in the context of CyberArk?

"Just-in-time access" specifically refers to the practice of granting temporary elevated access to users only when it is needed for a specific task. This approach enhances security by minimizing the duration someone has access to sensitive systems, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or exploitation during periods when elevated privileges are not necessary.

By allowing elevated permissions temporarily, organizations can ensure that users only have the access they require to complete their immediate tasks, which is particularly crucial in environments with sensitive data or operations. This practice helps streamline access management and aligns with the principle of least privilege, where users are given only the level of access necessary to perform their roles.

In contrast, providing permanent access to all users would significantly increase security risks by giving everyone continuous access to sensitive information, which is not a secure or efficient way to manage privileges. Revoking all access after hours does not align with the flexible demand for access that just-in-time access addresses, as specific access may still be needed during off-hours. Automatically approving all access requests undermines any control mechanisms and could lead to unauthorized access, contrary to the purpose of just-in-time access.