What does the term 'least privilege' refer to in information security?

The term 'least privilege' refers to the principle of granting users only the minimum access necessary to perform their job functions. This concept is fundamental in information security, as it helps to minimize potential risks and vulnerabilities within an organization. By restricting access to only what is required for specific tasks, organizations can reduce the impact of accidental or malicious misuse of data and systems.

Implementing the principle of least privilege mitigates the risks associated with insider threats and reduces the attack surface for external threats. If someone’s account is compromised, the damage is limited to the access they have, making it difficult for an attacker to escalate privileges or access sensitive information not intended for them. This approach enhances the overall security posture of an organization by ensuring that permissions are tightly controlled and monitored.

In contrast, granting maximum access to all resources, allowing unrestricted access, or providing access based on user rank compromises security by increasing the number of ways that unauthorized access could occur. Thus, the focus on the principle of least privilege effectively aids in protecting sensitive information while still enabling users to perform their job responsibilities efficiently.