Permanent admin rights are a security risk. Privileged Identity Management (PIM) in Microsoft Entra ID enables just-in-time access and minimizes the attack surface.
The Problem with Permanent Admin Rights
Risks
- Constant target – Admin accounts are lucrative for attackers
- Lateral movement – Compromised admins enable spread
- Insider threats – Even trusted employees can err
- Compliance violations – Many regulations require least privilege
The Solution: Just-in-Time
Instead of permanent rights:
- 1User has role eligible
- 2When needed, activates the role
- 3After time expires, rights are automatically revoked
PIM Functions
Role Activation
- Time-limited – Default 1-8 hours
- Justification required – Why is the role needed?
- Approval workflow – For critical roles
- MFA verification – On every activation
Monitoring
- All activations are logged
- Notifications for suspicious activities
- Regular access reviews
- Integration with SIEM systems
Role Management
- Entra ID roles (Global Admin, User Admin, etc.)
- Azure resource roles
- Groups with privileged access
Best Practices
Role Structure
- 1Minimal permissions – Assign only necessary rights
- 2Separation of duties – No combination of critical rights
- 3Role consolidation – Fewer, but more precise roles
Activation Settings
- 1Short time windows – As short as practical
- 2Justification requirement – For all privileged roles
- 3MFA enforcement – Always on activation
Approvals
- 1Critical roles – Approval by second person
- 2Emergency processes – Break-glass for outages
- 3Escalation paths – When approver unavailable
Access Reviews
Regular verification of permissions:
- Who has which eligible roles?
- Are the roles actually used?
- Are the permissions still appropriate?
Automation
- Regular review campaigns
- Automatic removal on non-confirmation
- Notifications to affected parties
Conclusion
PIM is a core component of every Zero Trust strategy. Just-in-time access significantly reduces risk. CNEXT supports you in conception and introduction.