In security, what does the principle of least privilege entail?

The principle of least privilege is a foundational concept in information security, focusing on minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. This principle dictates that users should only be given the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions effectively. By providing only the essential permissions required for a specific task, organizations can significantly reduce the potential attack surface and limit the damage that could be caused by compromised accounts or insider threats.

Implementing least privilege helps in maintaining better control over sensitive data and systems, as it reduces the opportunities for exploitation by malicious users or malware. For example, if a user only needs access to a specific set of files or applications to fulfill their role, they should not be granted broader permissions that could expose other critical systems or data.

This careful, tailored approach to access control not only enhances security but also aids in compliance with various regulatory requirements that mandate proper data protection practices.