Not all devices have this feature
The instructions in this article currently only apply to devices with the Make Me Admin app installed. If your device does not have the Make Me Admin app installed, you must contact the IT Help Desk for assistance if you need administrative access.
Users need administrative access to a device for certain tasks, such as installing software and launching certain programs. Select devices now feature the Make Me Admin app which allows users to self-request administrative access for a set period of time. The tool allows a temporary elevation of access to ensure compliance with the UNLV IT Policies and Standards.
Currently, administrative access is granted for 4 hours per successful request via Make Me Admin.
Utilizing Make Me Admin follows the security best practice of Least Privilege which is the practice of giving an individual user as little access as possible until elevated access is needed. Having local administrator access to a machine allows wide access to the device which can be used to attack devices and spread viruses and malware to other devices. By limiting administrative access, attacks that rely on having wide administrative access can be limited or stopped faster. By also requiring an extra step to grant administrative access, it helps customers understand when they need to be more cautious when running a program.
However, we recognize that many users need administrative permissions from time to time to install applications for their daily work. Make Me Admin can be run at any time self-service and used as necessary. You do not need to contact the IT Help Desk to use Make Me Admin and temporarily grant administrator permissions to your device.
If there is a need for a permanent administrative account for the device, you will need to submit a policy exception.
Requesting Access
- Locate the Self Service application. This can be located in one of the following places:
- Launchpad > Applications
- Finder > Application
- Spotlight Search > Search "Self Service"
- In a few moments, a prompt will appear.
- Under Make Me An Admin, select Run.
- In a few moments, a notification will appear advising you administrative access has been granted.
Try performing the action you requested again. You may still be prompted to enter a username and password, enter your ACE username and password as normal.
Considerations
- Administrative Access is granted for 4 hours.
- You must at least begin any task requiring access within the alloted time. Once the task is launched, it will operate with administrative access until the task completes, or the application is closed.
- Example 1: if you are installing software, you must begin the install process within the allotted time. Even if the install takes longer, it should not be interrupted.
- Example 2: if you run an application as an administrator, it will retain access past the allotted time, until it is closed or you log off.
- Usage of administrative access is logged and subject to audit.
- You may still be prompted by the operating system to enter your username and password. Enter your ACE username and password as normal.
Need Additional Help?
For additional assistance, please visit the Computer, Device, and Printing Support Knowledge Base for additional articles or our Services area to submit a support ticket. You can also contact the IT Help Desk via phone (702) 895-0777 or email (ithelp@unlv.edu).