Local admin rights: just-in-time elevation patterns

Overview

Standing local admin for all users increases malware blast radius. JIT elevation grants temporary admin for approved tasks.

Patterns

1. PIM for Windows / third-party elevation tools with workflow and logging.
2. Credential Guard and removal of permanent membership in local Administrators.
3. Break-glass separate admin accounts with MFA—no daily use.

Policy pack

• Software packaging through Intune/ConfigMgr to reduce “I need admin to install” tickets.
• Standard duration (e.g., 2 hours) for elevation grants with auto-expiry.

Logging & audit

Centralize elevation events; monthly sample review for abuse patterns.

Executive messaging

“Local admin is like giving everyone keys to the server room. JIT is a timed key for one door.”

Exceptions

Developers or lab machines may need segmented security zones—not weaker controls on production cohorts.