Principle of least privilege (POLP)
The Principle of Least Privilege (POLP) is a security principle that states that a user or program should only have access to the minimum level of permissions or privileges necessary to perform their task. In other words, users should only be granted the minimum level of access necessary to do their job and nothing more.
The principle is based on the idea that by limiting the privileges of users or programs, the risk of accidental or intentional misuse of resources is reduced. For example, if a user only has read-only access to a file system, they will not be able to accidentally modify or delete important files. Similarly, if a program is only granted access to the resources it needs to perform its task, it will not be able to access other sensitive data or systems.
The POLP is an important principle in the context of security, as it can help to prevent unauthorized access, reduce the impact of security breaches, and minimize the risk of data loss or corruption. It is commonly implemented in operating systems, databases, and other systems that require secure access to resources.
Overall, the principle of least privilege is an important security principle that emphasizes the need to limit access to resources to only what is necessary to perform a given task. By following this principle, organizations can reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protect sensitive data and systems from potential threats.
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