What is the principle of least privilege in cybersecurity?

The principle of least privilege is a foundational concept in cybersecurity that dictates that individuals and systems should only be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their legitimate tasks. This practice minimizes potential damage in the event of a security breach, as it restricts the amount of access an attacker could have if they were to compromise an account or system. By limiting access to just what is needed, organizations can reduce their attack surface and mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access.

Implementing the principle of least privilege involves conducting a thorough assessment of job roles and responsibilities to determine the specific permissions that each user or entity requires. This approach not only enhances security but also aids in compliance with regulatory standards that advocate for restrictive access controls.

The other options propose approaches that would undermine security by either granting excessive access or failing to consider job-related necessity, which can lead to significant vulnerabilities within an organization's infrastructure.