In today’s complex IT environments, balancing security and productivity is critical. Organizations are increasingly adopting security strategies like Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) and Just-in-Time (JIT) Access to limit attack surfaces, prevent privilege abuse, and comply with zero-trust principles.
In this blog, we’ll explore both approaches, how they differ, their benefits, and licensing details to help you implement them effectively.
What is Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM)?
Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) focuses on managing local administrative privileges on user devices (endpoints). It allows specific applications or tasks to run with elevated permissions while keeping end users out of permanent local admin roles.
Core Features of EPM
- Privilege Elevation
It allows apps and scripts to run with elevated permissions without granting full local admin rights. For example, It Allows users to install approved software. - Granular Control
Administrators define policies for:- Which applications can run as elevated
- Based on parameters like file hash, path, or publisher.
- Audit and Monitoring
Logs privilege elevation activities for visibility and compliance. - Least Privilege Enforcement
Ensures users only have permissions necessary to perform specific tasks.
Benefits of EPM
- Minimized Attack Surface: Prevent malware or unauthorized software from running with elevated privileges.
- Improved Security: Eliminates local admin rights while allowing productivity.
- Audit Compliance: Logs help track privilege usage for security audits.
- Enhanced Productivity: IT intervention is unnecessary for common user tasks like software installation.
Microsoft Solution for EPM
Microsoft offers Endpoint Privilege Management as part of Microsoft Intune (Microsoft Endpoint Manager). EPM enables organizations to manage privileges without relying on traditional local admin accounts.
Licensing
- EPM Licensing: Requires a Microsoft Intune Suite license or a Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security E5 (EMS E5) license.
- Standalone Option: Microsoft may provide separate licensing for EPM features.
What is Just-in-Time (JIT) Access?
Just-in-Time (JIT) Access focuses on time-bound and role-specific elevated access for IT admins, privileged users, or critical infrastructure. JIT Access applies to cloud services, servers, and privileged roles.
Core Features of JIT Access
- Time-Bound Access
Privileges are granted for a specific duration (e.g., 2 hours). Access is revoked automatically when the time expires. - Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Users can access specific roles or tasks instead of broad admin permissions. - Approval Workflows
Access requests often require approval and justification, ensuring oversight. - Audit and Monitoring
Tracks temporary access activities for transparency and compliance. - Automatic Revocation
Ensures access is removed immediately after completing the task, reducing attack surfaces.
Benefits of JIT Access
- Reduces Persistent Privileges: Limits the risk of privilege escalation attacks.
- Enhances Zero-Trust Security: Provides temporary access only when necessary.
- Compliance-Friendly: Logs all privileged access activities for audits.
- Limits Insider Threats: Prevents misuse of persistent admin rights.
Microsoft Solution for JIT Access
Microsoft offers JIT Access through Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM), part of Microsoft Entra ID Premium P2.
Microsoft Entra PIM provides:
- Temporary role elevation for Microsoft Entra roles and Azure resources.
- Approval workflows for privileged access.
- Justification and auditing for all access requests.
Licensing
- JIT Access Licensing: Requires Microsoft Entra ID Premium P2, which is included in:
- Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security E5 (EMS E5)
- Microsoft 365 E5
- Microsoft Entra ID Premium P2 standalone license.
Comparison: EPM vs JIT Access
| Feature | Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) | Just-in-Time Access (JIT) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Endpoints (desktops, laptops, servers) | Cloud services, servers, privileged roles |
| Access Type | Granular, app/task-based elevation | Role-based, temporary elevated access |
| Duration | Persistent, but limited privileges | Time-bound, revokes automatically |
| Approval Process | No approval required (policy-driven) | Requires approval workflows |
| Target Users | End users, specific applications | IT admins, developers, privileged accounts |
| Audit and Logging | Tracks local privilege elevation activities | Tracks temporary elevated access logs |
| Licensing Requirements | Microsoft Intune Suite or EMS E5 | Microsoft Entra ID Premium P2 |
When to Use EPM vs JIT Access
Use Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) When:
- You need to manage local admin rights on user endpoints.
- End users require elevated rights for specific tasks, such as software installations.
- You want to enforce least privilege on workstations and servers.
Use Just-in-Time (JIT) Access When:
- IT admins need temporary access to Microsoft Entra roles, servers, or critical infrastructure.
- You need to limit privilege persistence to reduce attack surfaces.
- Your organization uses Azure or hybrid environments.
Combining EPM and JIT Access
For a robust security model, EPM and JIT Access can work together:
- EPM: Prevents unnecessary local admin access on endpoints.
- JIT Access: Ensures temporary and scoped access to critical systems.
By combining both solutions, organizations can:
- Reduce their attack surface.
- Eliminate overprivileged accounts on endpoints and infrastructure.
- Ensure full visibility and audit compliance.
Licensing Summary
| Solution | Licensing Requirement |
| Endpoint Privilege Management | Microsoft Intune Suite or EMS E5 |
| Just-in-Time Access (Microsoft Entra PIM) | Microsoft Entra ID Premium P2 |
Final Thoughts
Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) and Just-in-Time (JIT) Access play a vital role in strengthening security while maintaining user productivity. Organizations should evaluate their specific needs to determine which solution best fits their environment—or better yet, use them together for maximum protection.
Get Started
- For Endpoint Privilege Management, explore the Microsoft Intune Suite.
- For Just-in-Time Access, leverage Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) with Microsoft Entra ID Premium P2.
By effectively applying these tools, your organization can move closer to a zero-trust architecture, where access is secure, temporary, and continuously monitored.
What’s your take on EPM vs JIT Access? Let us know how you manage privileges in your organization!
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