What does the principle of 'least privilege' advocate for?

The principle of 'least privilege' advocates for restricting access to the minimum necessary level for users to perform their job functions. This approach minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and potential misuse of information or resources. By ensuring that users only have access to the data and systems that are essential for their responsibilities, organizations can significantly reduce the attack surface and limit the potential for data breaches or accidental damage.

Implementing this principle helps to enforce security policies and ensures that sensitive information is protected from those who do not need it for their work. This practice also simplifies auditing and monitoring of user activity, as it becomes easier to track which users have access to what resources based on their roles. Overall, the principle of least privilege enhances an organization's security posture by creating a more controlled environment where access is granted judiciously and based on necessity.