A method, system and computer program product for retaining trust. A computer receives a correct password for administrative access. The computer sets a trust to a maximum level. The computer detects at least one period of inactivity. The computer adjusts a trust based on the at least one period of inactivity. The computer receives a request to access an privileged function. The computer, responsive to receiving the request, determines that the trust is below a trust threshold. The computer, responsive to determining that the trust is below the trust threshold, challenges the user to authenticate. The computer receives a authentication attempt. The computer determines whether the authentication attempt is correct. The computer, responsive to a determination that the authentication attempt is correct, grants access to the administrative function.