What is the principle of least privilege?

The principle of least privilege is a fundamental concept in information security that involves restricting user access rights to the minimum necessary to perform their job functions. This means that individuals are granted only the permissions they need to carry out their responsibilities, and nothing more. By limiting access in this way, organizations reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information and systems, mitigate potential damage from insider threats, and enhance the overall security posture.

Implementing the principle of least privilege helps to safeguard critical data and resources by ensuring that even if a user's account is compromised, the attacker's ability to exploit that account is limited. This approach is especially crucial in environments where sensitive data is stored, as it helps to prevent data breaches and other security incidents.

The other options suggest broader access rights that could lead to increased security risks. Granting all employees access to all systems, allowing temporary privileges for all users, or providing unrestricted access for trusted users undermines the principle of least privilege and could expose the organization to greater vulnerabilities.