What is Time-Based Access

Time-Based Access is a specialized access control strategy in which access within a system, application, or data set is granted and revoked automatically based on a set schedule or time frame. It is like creating hours of operation for access; access outside normal operations hours is denied as the door is locked.

Although closely related to Temporary Access, where specific access may limit scope and duration, Time-Based Access usually implies re-occurring schedules (e.g., only during business hours or only weekdays, from 9 AM – 5 PM) rather than a one-off access window to limit duration for a specific task. However, a one-time only temporary access grant may also be a form of Time-Based Access. In all of its forms, the key is that access is temporally limited, which further mitigates exposure and potential misuse. It is an important mechanism for upholding the Least Privilege Access (LPA) principle, which ensures users or systems only possess permissions warranted for the time of access.

Key Components & Benefits of Time-Based Access:

• Scheduled Enforcement: Access policies are inherently linked to time, day, or recurring schedules, which means provisioning and de-provisioning of user access can be automated.

• Reduction of "Always-On" Access: Permits of standing access may lead to undesired results outside of a normal operational window. Time-Based Access restricts the opportunity to misuse this access and lowers risk.

• Automated Revocation: The time constraints effectively remove the duty and risk of error by the administrator or user when revoking access after hours or project completion.

• Improved Security Posture: Time-based policies limit the timeframe access is given, which also limits access to credentials if access is compromised.

• Improved Compliance: Time-Based Access aids in meeting audit controls of strict access to sensitive systems and data, especially in higher regulated environments.

• Operational Efficiency: Automating the timeframe of access mitigates a manual component in access management and gives back time and staffing to IT & Security teams that would otherwise be spent dealing with provisions/de-provisions.

• Support for Dynamic Access Policies: Time-Based Access allows companies to adjust and make access policy dynamic based on operational need without sacrificing security posture.

• Contributes to Zero Trust: A time-based approach aids in upholding a Zero Trust model by continuously verifying access and assuring that access is policy-/context-derived and temporal-context serviced.

ReShield's identity security platform provides important capabilities for introducing Time-Based Access. Our Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions give administrators the ability to granularly define access schedules for user roles and relevant resources, both human and machine identities. ReShield is able to meet complex temporal restrictions through a simple granting or denying of specific permissions when operational hours are set to activate and inactivate permissions. By specifying temporal control with ReShield, you adamantly improve your Least Privilege Access (LPA) strategy, which reduces the security risks from standing access; improves audit readiness; and improves cybersecurity posture.