Definition
Just-In-Time (JIT) Provisioning is an automated process that creates and updates user accounts in web applications at the moment of authentication. It is commonly used with Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) Single Sign-On (SSO) to streamline user access management without requiring manual account creation by administrators.
JIT Provisioning simplifies the onboarding process by dynamically generating user accounts the first time a user logs into an application via an identity provider (IdP). This reduces administrative overhead and ensures users can access applications seamlessly without requiring pre-provisioned accounts. The process relies on SAML assertions to deliver user attributes from the IdP to the service provider (SP).
How Just-In-Time (JIT) Provisioning Works
Just-In-Time (JIT) Provisioning is a method used to automatically create user accounts when a user logs in for the first time. This eliminates the need for manual account setup streamlining access management in organizations that use Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions like SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language).
User Initiates Login
A user attempts to access an application that supports SAML-based SSO. Instead of creating an account in advance, the system checks whether an account already exists when the user logs in.
Authentication via Identity Provider (IdP)
The application redirects the user to an Identity Provider (IdP), such as Okta, Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), Ping Identity, or Google Workspace, where authentication occurs. The user enters their credentials (username and password) or uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) if enabled.
SAML Assertion Sent
Upon successful authentication, the IdP generates a SAML assertion, which is a secure message that contains user attributes such as:
- Username or email address
- First and last name
- Role or department
- Group memberships
This assertion is sent back to the application (Service Provider, or SP) for verification.
User Account Check
The application (Service Provider) receives the SAML assertion and checks whether a user account already exists. If one is found, the user is granted access immediately.
Automatic Account Creation
If no existing account is found, the service provider automatically creates a new user account based on the attributes in the SAML assertion. The newly created account is assigned default permissions and roles, ensuring access is appropriately granted.
Access Granted
The user gains immediate access to the application without waiting for IT or administrators to create an account manually. This makes JIT Provisioning an efficient and scalable solution for organizations managing large numbers of users.
Relation Between SAML SSO and JIT Provisioning
SAML SSO and JIT Provisioning often work together to enable seamless authentication and account creation. SAML SSO can be initiated in two ways:
- Identity Provider (IdP)-Initiated SSO: Users first log into an SSO portal and then access applications.
- Service Provider (SP)-Initiated SSO: Users attempt to access an application first, which then redirects them to the IdP for authentication.
JIT Provisioning enhances SAML SSO by ensuring that new users automatically receive accounts without requiring prior manual setup.
Benefits of Just-In-Time (JIT) Provisioning
JIT Provisioning offers multiple advantages that improve efficiency, security, and resource management.
Efficiency and Cost Savings
Automated account creation reduces the burden on IT administrators by eliminating the need for manual account provisioning. It ensures that accounts are only created when required, preventing unnecessary resource consumption.
Improved User Experience
New users gain access to applications immediately upon authentication. Using a single set of credentials, users can access multiple applications.
Enhanced Security
Minimized attack surface reduces inactive accounts that attackers could exploit. And ensures that user attributes and permissions align with the latest identity provider information.
Challenges and Considerations
While JIT Provisioning offers numerous benefits, it also introduces certain challenges:
- Lack of Automatic Deprovisioning: JIT Provisioning focuses on account creation but does not automatically deactivate accounts when users leave an organization. Manual intervention or additional tooling is required for account lifecycle management.
- Dependency on Identity Provider: The service provider must rely on the identity provider for accurate and up-to-date user attributes. Any discrepancies can lead to incorrect provisioning.
- Configuration Complexity: Setting up JIT Provisioning requires careful configuration of SAML assertions and attribute mapping to ensure proper user provisioning.
Best Practices for Implementing JIT Provisioning
To ensure security, efficiency, and compliance, organizations should follow these best practices when implementing JIT Provisioning.
Choose the Right Identity Provider (IdP)
Select an IdP that supports both SAML and JIT Provisioning, such as:
- Okta
- Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
- Google Workspace
- Ping Identity
- Auth0
The IdP should have strong security features, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), session controls, and logging.
Ensure Attribute Mapping Accuracy
Attribute mapping ensures that user information from the IdP matches the required fields in the service provider. Common attributes include:
- email → User’s email address
- givenName → First name
- surname → Last name
- groups → Role or department
Incorrect mapping can result in failed account creation or improper access permissions. Regularly review and update attribute mappings to align with the organization’s access requirements.
Implement Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC)
Assign roles and permissions based on job function, department, or security level. Instead of giving all users the same level of access, define:
- Administrators – Full system access.
- Standard Users – Limited access based on job responsibilities.
- Guest Users – Temporary or read-only access.
This ensures that users only receive the necessary access, following the principle of least privilege (PoLP).
Monitor and Audit Provisioning Events
Regularly review user login activities and provisioning logs to detect anomalies, such as:
- Unauthorized access attempts.
- Accounts are created outside normal business hours.
- Duplicate or incorrect user attributes.
Use SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools like Splunk, Datadog, or Microsoft Sentinel to monitor authentication events. Audit logs should be retained for security investigations and compliance reporting.
Combine JIT with Automated Deprovisioning
JIT Provisioning creates accounts on demand, but inactive accounts should also be removed automatically to reduce security risks. Use identity lifecycle management tools to implement automated deprovisioning when:
- A user leaves the organization.
- A user no longer needs access to the application.
- An account has been inactive for a specified period (e.g., 90 days).
This prevents orphaned accounts (inactive accounts that attackers could exploit).
Applications That Support JIT Provisioning
Many enterprise applications and platforms offer JIT Provisioning support, including:
- Salesforce: Supports JIT user creation using SAML assertions.
- Slack: Enables automatic user provisioning upon first login via SSO.
- Atlassian Suite: Includes JIT Provisioning in its cloud-based applications.
- Microsoft Azure AD: Allows JIT Provisioning for SAML-based integrations.
Conclusion
Just-In-Time (JIT) Provisioning is a crucial feature for organizations implementing SAML SSO. By automating account creation at the moment of authentication, JIT Provisioning reduces administrative workload, improves security, and enhances the user experience. While it requires careful configuration and additional measures for account deprovisioning, its benefits make it an essential component of modern identity and access management strategies.
