What does the principle of least privilege mean in cybersecurity?

The principle of least privilege in cybersecurity is foundational to maintaining a secure environment. It dictates that users, systems, and applications should only be granted the permissions necessary to perform their specific tasks or functions. This minimizes the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of permissions.

When users have access only to the resources they need for their role, the attack surface is significantly reduced. For instance, if a user only requires access to a specific database to perform their job, granting them access to other sensitive systems exposes those systems to unnecessary risk. Should that user's account be compromised, the attacker would have limited access, thereby mitigating potential damage.

This principle is vital in protecting sensitive information, preventing unauthorized access, and containing security breaches. By limiting access rights, organizations can better safeguard their data and systems, aligning security practices with the actual requirements of roles within the organization.