What is the principle of least privilege?

The principle of least privilege is a security concept that dictates that users, applications, and systems should be granted only the minimum levels of access necessary to perform their functions. This approach minimizes the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of resources by limiting permissions to only what is essential. By adhering to this principle, organizations can better protect sensitive data and systems from potential threats and vulnerabilities. Implementing least privilege requires regular audits and adjustments to access rights as roles and needs change.