Principle of Least Privilege: Definition, Methods & Examples
The principle of least privilege (PoLP) is an information security concept that gives users, typically employees, the minimum level of access that they will need to complete their job responsibilities. CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) recommends using least privilege as a cybersecurity best practice.
By allowing a user only the minimum level of permissions or access needed, privileged access to high-value data and critical assets is protected. This goes beyond just human users and also applies to connected devices, systems, or applications requesting access to complete a task as well.
The PoLP has to allow the right, and minimum, amount of access while also enabling the employee to complete their job without restriction. There needs to be a balance to keep systems safe and employees productive.
Understanding minimum access policy
A minimum access policy restricts a user to only the least amount of access to privileged resources and permissions that are needed to perform an authorised activity or activities, such as those necessary for employees to do their jobs. This is a cybersecurity practice that can help to protect critical assets and sensitive data.
The minimum access policy allows a process or a user account to have only the privileges that are necessary to perform their intended function. Typically, this will mean setting the least amount of access as the default and only opening up permissions and privileges to essential resources and actions. User accounts should run and launch applications with the minimum number of privileges possible.
Understanding the principle of least privilege (PoLP)
The principle of least privilege (PoLP) should be a balance between security protections and usability. The user needs to have as frictionless of an experience as possible while also keeping the system as secure as possible to minimise the damage that can be caused by a mistake or malicious intent.
The principle of least privilege is a minimum access policy that centrally manages and secures privileged credentials, and only allows users access to the least amount of required privileges. It also needs to have flexible controls that can balance compliance requirements with cybersecurity, operational functions, and the end-user experience.
Benefits of the principle of least privilege include the following:
- Reduces the attack surface: The PoLP limits the avenues and attack vectors that potential threat actors can use to find vulnerabilities, hack into a system, exploit privileged information, and/or carry out a cyberattack. The broader your surface area is, the harder it is to defend against all potential t