Definition:
The principle of least privilege dictates that users, systems, and applications should be granted the minimum level of access or permissions necessary to perform their functions, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
Use Cases:
- Used in access control policies to limit user privileges to only those necessary for their role.
- Employed in system configurations to restrict administrative access to essential personnel.
Related Terms:
Questions and Answers:
- Why is the principle of least privilege important?
It reduces the attack surface by limiting access to sensitive data and functions, minimizing the risk of accidental or malicious misuse.
- How can organizations enforce least privilege?
Organizations can enforce least privilege through strict access control policies, regular reviews of user permissions, and the use of privilege management tools.
- What are the risks of not following the principle of least privilege?
Not following this principle can lead to over-privileged users, which increases the risk of insider threats, data breaches, and unauthorized access to critical systems.