What does the concept of "least privilege" mean in access control?

The concept of "least privilege" in access control is focused on restricting user permissions to only those necessary for them to perform their specific job functions. This approach enhances security by minimizing the risk of accidental or malicious actions that could occur if users had more access than needed. By ensuring that individuals only have the minimum level of access required to complete their tasks, organizations can reduce the attack surface and limit potential damage from compromised accounts or user errors.

For instance, if a user only requires access to view certain files or applications to perform their duties, granting them broader administrative access would unnecessarily increase the security risk. This principle helps in managing vulnerabilities effectively, as it restricts what users can do and access, helping to protect sensitive information and maintain compliance with various security policies and regulations. It also simplifies auditing and monitoring since the scope of user actions is well-defined and limited.