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Definitions[]

Least privilege is

the principle that requires each user in a system to be granted only the privileges needed for the performance of authorized tasks.[1]
[the p]rinciple of having access to the least information or fewest resources necessary to complete a legitimate purpose.[2]
the security objective of granting users only those accesses they need to perform their official duties.[3]
[a] foundational security principle that states that every program and every user of the system should operate using the least set of privileges necessary to complete the job. Primarily, this principle limits the damage that can result from an accident or error. It also reduces the number of potential interactions among privileged programs to the minimum for correct operation, so that unwanted, unintentional, or improper uses of privilege are less likely to occur. [4]
[t]he principle that a security architecture should be designed so that each entity is granted the minimum system resources and authorizations that the entity needs to perform its function.[5]
[t]he technique of assigning privileges for doing certain functions to only those that require them.[6]

Overview[]

"For example, restricting the ability to create new user accounts to only the system administrator or a user that should only be able to query a database, but has privileges to delete the folder containing the database file."[7]

References[]

See also[]

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