What does the principle of least privilege state?

The principle of least privilege is a fundamental concept in information security and access control that dictates that users should only be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions effectively. This approach minimizes the potential for accidental or intentional misuse of privileges that could lead to security breaches, data loss, or unauthorized access. By restricting user permissions to only those needed for specific tasks, organizations can better protect sensitive information and reduce the attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors or compromised accounts.

In this context, granting full access (as suggested in one option) can lead to risks, as users may have capabilities far beyond what is required for their role. Denying all rights (another option) would hinder employees from performing their jobs and create inefficiency. Similarly, providing access to all company resources fails to adhere to the principle, as it not only increases security risks but also violates the concept of controlling access based on need.