Learn about the benefits of implementing the principle of least privilege in Data Protection 101, our series on the fundamentals of information security. Show
Definition of the Principle of Least Privilege (POLP)The principle of least privilege is the idea that at any user, program, or process should have only the bare minimum privileges necessary to perform its function. For example, a user account created for pulling records from a database doesn’t need admin rights, while a programmer whose main function is updating lines of legacy code doesn’t need access to financial records. The principle of least privilege can also be referred to as the principle of minimal privilege (POMP) or the principle of least authority (POLA). Following the principle of least privilege is considered a best practice in information security. How the Principle of Least Privilege WorksThe principle of least privilege works by allowing only enough access to perform the required job. In an IT environment, adhering to the principle of least privilege reduces the risk of attackers gaining access to critical systems or sensitive data by compromising a low-level user account, device, or application. Implementing the POLP helps contain compromises to their area of origin, stopping them from spreading to the system at large. Examples of the Principle of Least PrivilegeThe principle of least privilege can be applied to every level of a system. It applies to end users, systems, processes, networks, databases, applications, and every other facet of an IT environment. Below are just a few examples of how the principle can work (or fail) in practice.
Benefits of the Principle of Least PrivilegeThere are many benefits of implementing the principle of least privilege:
Best Practices for the Principle of Least Privilege (How to Implement POLP)
Tags: Data Protection 101 What is the principle that grant users the rights necessary to perform their job and no more?The principle of least privilege addresses access control and states that an individual should have only the minimum access privileges necessary to perform a specific job or task and nothing more.
How do you use the principle of least privilege?The Principle of Least Privilege states that a subject should be given only those privileges needed for it to complete its task. If a subject does not need an access right, the subject should not have that right. Further, the function of the subject (as opposed to its identity) should control the assignment of rights.
What is principle of separation of privilege?Definition 13-6, The principle of separation of privilege states that a system should not grant permission based upon a single condition. This principle is equivalent to the separation of duty principle discussed in Section 6.1 [of Computer Security].
What is the principle of least privilege in cloud security?The principle of least privilege (PoLP) stipulates that users should be granted the least privileges they need to carry out their role, and is arguably one of the most important principals of data security.
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