What does the “principle of least privilege” entail?

The principle of least privilege is a fundamental security concept that asserts that users should only be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. This approach helps to reduce the risk of accidental or malicious harm to systems and data by limiting the permissions that users have. When users only have access to the resources required for their specific roles, the potential for abuse or exploitation is minimized, thus strengthening the overall security posture of the organization.

For instance, if a user only needs to view certain documents to fulfill their responsibilities, granting them full access to all documents could lead to unintended data breaches or manipulation. By adhering to the principle of least privilege, organizations can mitigate risks associated with insider threats and improve overall compliance with regulations that require data protection.