What is the principle of least privilege?

The principle of least privilege is an important concept in information security that dictates users should only have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. This limits potential exposure to sensitive resources and reduces the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of access rights.

By implementing least privilege, organizations can minimize the potential damage caused by compromised accounts. If a user's access is restricted to only what is necessary for their role, the impact of a security breach is confined to a smaller scope. This principle also aligns with regulatory requirements for data protection and helps in compliance efforts.

In contrast, providing users with the highest level of access, as suggested in one of the options, can lead to significant security risks, as it increases the attack surface and potential for insider threats. Similarly, basing access levels solely on tenure or frequently changing permissions does not inherently address the security needs of the organization and can complicate the access management process without adding value to security posture.