Which principle is essential to minimize security risk within an organization?

Enforcing least privilege access is essential for minimizing security risk within an organization because it limits users' access rights to the minimum necessary to perform their job functions. This principle helps to reduce the potential attack surface and minimizes the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of sensitive data and systems. By restricting access, organizations can prevent unauthorized users from accessing resources they do not need for their work, making it more difficult for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.

This approach also helps in containing security breaches. If a user account is compromised, the damage may be limited to only the information and systems that the compromised account had access to, rather than allowing unrestricted access to the entire network or sensitive data. Consequently, the potential for data breaches, internal threats, and accidental exposures is significantly reduced.

In contrast, assuming all users are trustworthy until proven otherwise can lead to vulnerabilities since it does not account for the possibility of insider threats or compromised accounts. Implementing a one-size-fits-all policy overlooks the need for tailored security measures that address specific roles and responsibilities. Allowing unrestricted access to ensure productivity can invite higher risks, as it enables users to access confidential information and systems without any checks, which can lead to data breaches or unintentional information leakage.