What is the concept of "least privilege"?

The concept of "least privilege" refers to the practice of granting users only the access that is necessary for them to perform their job functions. By limiting permissions in this way, organizations can reduce the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of sensitive information and resources. This principle is vital for minimizing the potential damage from security breaches, as it ensures that even if a user's account is compromised, the damage that can be done is limited to the resources they ordinarily access.

In contrast, allowing users maximum access to resources, providing full administrative rights to all users, or implementing complex password policies do not align with the principle of least privilege. Maximum access and full administrative rights create broader attack surfaces, increasing vulnerability. Complex password policies, while important for security, do not directly address access rights and permissions, which are the main focus of the least privilege principle.