Least Privilege

5 minutes 5 Questions

Least Privilege is a security principle that restricts user access rights and permissions to only those resources and functions absolutely necessary for them to perform their job duties. This minimizes the potential damage caused by unauthorized access, human error, or the exploitation of compromis…

Guide to Understanding and Applying the Principle of Least Privilege

What is the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP)?
The Principle of Least Privilege is an information security concept in which a user is given the minimum levels of access necessary to complete his/her job functions. This principle is used to minimize the risk and potential damage of a breach by limiting access to resources.

Why It’s Important
Adhering to the principle of least privilege reduces the risk of attackers gaining access to critical systems or sensitive data by compromising a low-level user account, device, or application. It also reduces the risk of accidental changes or deletions by authorized users.

How It Works
In practice, implementing least privilege involves assigning permissions with a focus on granting only what is necessary for a user to perform his/her job. Any unnecessary permissions are removed. This might mean different levels of access for different roles within an organization.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Least Privilege
Questions about least privilege may require you to recognize situations where it’s being violated or applied correctly, understand the implications of violating it, or suggest ways to apply it.
It’s important to understand the rationale behind least privilege, and real-world applications. For example, you should know why a receptionist wouldn’t need access to sensitive R&D files or why a developer might need access to a live database. Pay close attention to studying different organizational roles and typical access requirements.

How to Apply PoLP
Always aim for minimal access. Understand the role of the person needing access and only give access to resources that are needed for tasks directly related to that role. Regularly review and update access privileges as roles change or technology evolves. Use role-based access control where possible for efficiency and consistency.

The key to understanding and answering questions about least privilege is to remember that it’s all about limiting risk and access to what’s necessary. Recognize when a system or situation doesn’t adhere to this principle, and be ready to suggest how it might be improved.

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Question 1

A security analyst is reviewing a system and discovers that many unused admin accounts still have active access. What should the analyst do to enforce the principle of least privilege?

Provide a warning to users after detecting inactivity. Limit admin access to specific IP ranges. Disable or delete the inactive accounts. Schedule mandatory password changes for all admin accounts.

Correct Answer: Disable or delete the inactive accounts.

To enforce the principle of least privilege, the proper action is to disable or delete inactive admin accounts that are not being used. This minimizes potential unauthorized access by reducing the attack surface.

Question 2

A system administrator notices that their company's new employees are accidentally accessing restricted files. Which action should the administrator take to enforce the principle of least privilege?

Implement network segmentation and isolate new employees. Set up role-based access control for new employees. Limit access to only the company's intranet. Provide global admin access to all employees.

Correct Answer: Set up role-based access control for new employees.

Role-based access control ensures that users have the minimum necessary access required for their job. Providing global admin access, isolating new employees, or disabling file access will not adhere to the principle of least privilege, while the intranet access and password change are not directly related to this principle.

Question 3

An IT administrator is setting up a file server for a small department. To adhere to the principle of least privilege, what should be the administrator's first step?

Give all users full access, then remove permissions as needed. Grant access to specific user groups, only allowing necessary permissions. Storing all files in a public folder accessible by all users. Creating one account with full access for everyone in the department.

Correct Answer: Grant access to specific user groups, only allowing necessary permissions.

The principle of least privilege means giving users the minimum access necessary to complete their tasks. Granting access only to specific user groups and providing necessary permissions as needed is the best approach.

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