1. Planning.

• Assessment
  Begin by establishing who needs access to the MySQL database, the level of access they require, and their reason for needing access. Evaluate current permissions and minimize or eliminate any unnecessary ones, using an entitlement discovery tool for enhanced transparency if needed.
• Policy formation
  Develop clear rules for both the granting and revocation of access, specifying who can request access, under which conditions and with what duration. Define timed parameters especially for roles with elevated privileges.
• Source of truth
  To maintain a singular source for identities, synchronize your JIT access system with an Identity Provider (e.g., Okta, Google Workspace, Azure AD, OneLogin). This will enhance control over authorizations and enhance auditing accuracy by emphasizing individual identities as opposed to shared accounts.

2. Execution.

• Self-service access application
  Simplify the process by having users request access through the system, instead of in-person. Improve adoption by integrating the process with instant messaging platforms like Slack or MS Teams. Make sure the application includes who is requesting access, what resources are required, the duration and the reason.

• Approval procedure
  JIT access allows organizations to delegate approval to those apt individuals who understand the business context. Resource owners and business unit managers are often better informed about these decisions than IT support. Pair this with communication platforms for quick approvals, providing all necessary information.

• Conditional approval automation
  Embed policies into workflows for automated access based on predefined conditions. These workflows should indicate who can access what resources and under what circumstances. If-then conditions may be applied for increased efficiency; For example, IF the user from group “X” requests access to “Y”, THEN get approval from “Z” and notify “M”.

• Integrations
  Blend JIT access with other IT and security systems for enhanced flexibility. Consider integrating with IT ticketing systems for automatically granting access based on ticket status and with data categorization systems for policy adjustment based on data sensitivity. Ideally, use resource tagging and bundling for streamline processes. Get automated approvals during emergencies by cooperating with on-call scheduling software, and use training systems to permit access on the completion of certain trainings.
• Automated Provisioning and Deprovisioning
  Develop a solid understanding of MySQL to efficiently grant and revoke access automatically within the database. This forms the core of JIT Access, reducing dependency on people. It allows for automated deprovisioning of access rights, aligning with the principle of least privilege access (POLP). Ideally, manage all access permissions in a central place, without having to individually create or manage an environment for each app.
• Access methods
  APIs are preferred for MySQL JIT Access due to their flexibility and real-time capabilities. However, blend methods if necessary. For example, use SAML for authentication, SCIM for user provisioning, and APIs for specific access control decisions.

3. Maintenance.

• Regular Audits
  Regularly check access logs to ensure that JIT access is working correctly. Look for any strange patterns or activities either directly or by feeding the logs into your SEIM. Automate the user access review process to expedite evidence collection, delegate reviewers, and ensure that the system complies with applicable industry regulations.
• User Training
  Train users, especially those with privileged access, about the concept of least privilege, JIT Access and its workings. Make sure users understand how to ask for access when needed.
• Feedback loop
  Continually review your JIT access processes. Get feedback from users and IT staff to identify where enhancements can be made. By following this structured approach, you'll be able to effectively implement a robust Just-in-Time Access system for MySQL.