What does the principle of least privilege entail?

The principle of least privilege is a fundamental concept in cybersecurity that stipulates users, systems, and applications should be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. This means that when designing access controls, organizations must evaluate the specific tasks each user needs to accomplish and only provide permissions that enable those tasks.

By adhering to this principle, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of sensitive information or critical systems. If users have only the permissions they require, the potential damage that could arise from a compromised account or unintentional error is minimized. Additionally, this approach enhances overall security by limiting the attack surface that potential intruders can exploit.

The other options advocate for unrestricted or excessive access, which contradicts the principle of least privilege and can lead to increased vulnerability within the organization. Providing full access to all systems or granting access based on seniority can lead to misuse of permissions and make it difficult to enforce accountability and traceability in user actions. Therefore, option B effectively encapsulates the essence of the principle of least privilege in ensuring a more secure operational environment.