The principle of least privilege (PoLP) is an information security concept that requires users, accounts, and computing processes to have only the minimum access rights necessary to perform their authorized activity. The principle is widely considered to be a cybersecurity best practice and is a fundamental step in protecting privileged access to high-value data and assets.

The PoLP applies to every level of a system, including end-users, systems, processes, networks, databases, and applications. By implementing the principle of least privilege, organizations can help curb “privilege creep” and ensure human and non-human users only have the minimum levels of access required.

Enforcing least privilege access is an instrumental best practice to reduce security risk and minimize business disruption resulting from errors or malicious intent. The principle of least privilege works by allowing only enough access to perform the required job, reducing the risk of attackers gaining access to critical systems or sensitive data by compromising a low-level user account, device, or application.

The benefits of the principle of least privilege include reducing the likelihood of a breach occurring in the first place and limiting the scope of a breach, should one happen. To implement the principle of least privilege, organizations typically audit the full environment to locate privileged accounts and take steps such as using just-in-time least privilege, implementing role-based access control, and monitoring and logging all privileged access.