What does the principle of 'least privilege' entail?

The principle of 'least privilege' is a key concept in information security that involves granting users only the minimal level of access necessary to perform their specific tasks. This principle aims to reduce the risk of accidental or intentional misuse of sensitive information and resources. By limiting access, organizations can enhance their security posture, making it harder for potential threats to exploit systems or data that the user should not have access to.

This principle helps prevent data breaches and ensures that users cannot perform actions beyond their responsibilities. For example, if an employee in the accounting department only needs to view certain financial records, they should not have access to the entire database or administrative controls. Adhering to the principle of least privilege significantly minimizes the attack surface and potential damage from compromised accounts.

Alternatives that suggest granting maximum access for productivity or determining access by seniority or departmental needs do not align with the principle of least privilege, as they can result in unnecessary exposure and increased risk to sensitive data.