What does the principle of 'least privilege' refer to?

The principle of 'least privilege' is a key concept in cybersecurity and access control, which emphasizes the importance of granting users the minimal level of access—or permissions—necessary to perform their specific job functions effectively. This principle helps to limit the potential for accidental or malicious misuse of resources and sensitive information within an organization.

By implementing the least privilege principle, organizations can significantly reduce their attack surface. For example, if a user only has access to data and systems that are essential for their work, the risk of unauthorized data exposure or manipulation by that user decreases. Furthermore, if an account is compromised, the potential impact is limited to the resources the user had access to, thereby minimizing damage.

This approach not only enhances security but also aids in compliance with various regulatory frameworks that require organizations to manage and protect sensitive data diligently. The principle encourages careful assessment of user roles and permissions, leading to more robust overall security practices.