CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)Security OperationsMedium

A security architect wants privileged accounts to receive elevated permissions only for the duration of a specific task, after which access automatically expires. Which concept does this describe?

  1. AJust-in-time access
  2. BDiscretionary access control
  3. CMandatory access control
  4. DRole-based access control
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Just-in-time access

Just-in-time (JIT) access grants temporary, time-bound elevated privileges for a specific task, then automatically revokes them, reducing the standing attack surface of privileged accounts.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. DAC allows resource owners to grant access, unrelated to time-bound elevation.
  • C. MAC enforces access based on classification labels, not temporary elevation.
  • D. RBAC assigns permissions based on job role, not temporary elevation.

Just-in-Time (JIT) Access

A privileged access management technique that grants elevated permissions only for the time needed to complete a task, then revokes them automatically.

  • Reduces standing privileged account risk
  • Common in PAM solutions
  • Often paired with approval workflows

Memory trick: Access ticks away like a timer.

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