What is the principle of 'least privilege' in access control?

The principle of 'least privilege' in access control emphasizes that users should be granted only those permissions necessary to perform their job functions effectively. This principle reduces the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of system resources and sensitive data. By limiting access rights, organizations can minimize the potential attack surface and prevent unauthorized actions, thereby enhancing overall security.

In practical terms, this means that if an employee requires access to specific files or systems to complete their work, they should only receive access to those specific resources, rather than a blanket level of permission that could expose more sensitive information or critical functions that are outside their job responsibilities. This approach not only helps in safeguarding sensitive data but also assists in maintaining a clear auditing trail, as it becomes easier to track activities restricted to an individual’s specific roles.

Other options outlined in the question do not adhere to this principle and would compromise security measures by allowing either excessive access or equal privileges across users, leading to potential vulnerabilities and breaches that could have serious consequences for an organization.