What does the principle of least privilege in security entail?

The principle of least privilege is a foundational concept in computer security that dictates that users should be given only those permissions necessary to complete their job responsibilities. This minimizes the potential attack surface for security breaches by limiting the access rights of users, thereby reducing the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of sensitive data or systems.

By adhering to this principle, organizations can better protect their data and resources; if a user's account gets compromised, the damage is contained to the limited access associated with that account. For example, a user in a financial department may only need access to specific financial records and should not have the ability to modify system configurations or access sensitive data unrelated to their role. This approach not only reinforces security but also enhances accountability, as it is easier to track actions back to users with defined roles.

In contrast, the concept of granting users unlimited access, providing uniform access rights to all users, or allowing access based solely on user preferences undermines security. These approaches can lead to significant vulnerabilities, where unauthorized access to critical systems or data becomes highly probable, resulting in data breaches or other security incidents.