What is the concept of least privilege in access control?

The concept of least privilege in access control emphasizes that individuals should only be given the minimum level of access required to effectively perform their job duties. This principle minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information and helps prevent potential security breaches. By limiting access rights, organizations can reduce the likelihood of accidental or malicious actions that could compromise data integrity or privacy.

This approach not only enhances security by restricting the number of personnel who can access sensitive systems or information but also simplifies compliance with regulatory requirements related to data protection. When users have access only to the resources necessary for their role, it becomes easier to track activities and maintain accountability.

Granting users access to all data they may need contradicts the least privilege principle and increases exposure to potential breaches. The idea that only system administrators should access sensitive data might overlook circumstances where other roles require specific permissions, while access based on tenure ignores the actual needs of the job, meaning those who have been with the organization longer may not necessarily need elevated access.