To ensure systems are safe while delegating tasks, which approach should be taken?

The principle of least privilege is a fundamental security concept that dictates that users should be granted the minimum levels of access – or permissions – necessary to perform their job functions. By employing this principle, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of accidental or intentional misuse of sensitive data and system resources.

When users have only the permissions they need to carry out their tasks, it limits the potential for damage if an account is compromised or if a user makes a mistake. For instance, if a standard user does not need the ability to modify system settings, withholding administrative access would prevent any unintended changes that could affect system integrity or availability.

In contrast, providing users with elevated access privileges, such as power user or administrator access, increases potential vulnerabilities. If a malicious actor gains access to such an account, they would have broad capabilities to manipulate systems and data, leading to severe security breaches. Therefore, adopting the principle of least privilege is essential for maintaining security while still enabling users to carry out their responsibilities effectively.