What is the principle of least privilege?

The principle of least privilege is a fundamental concept in information security that advocates for providing users with the minimum level of access rights necessary to perform their job functions. This means that users should only have permissions to access, modify, or delete data that is pertinent to their role, thus reducing the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of sensitive data.

By limiting access in this way, organizations can help safeguard critical system resources and sensitive information from potential security breaches or data leaks. It also provides a structured approach to access control, ensuring that users cannot carry out actions that exceed their job requirements. This principle is vital in minimizing potential attack surfaces and enhancing overall security posture.

When employees have more access than necessary, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it can lead to unauthorized actions or security vulnerabilities. Therefore, applying the principle of least privilege not only aligns with security best practices but also supports compliance with various regulations that may require restricted access to sensitive information.