Which security design principle advocates for providing the minimum necessary privileges to perform a task?

The principle that advocates for providing the minimum necessary privileges to perform a task is known as least privilege. This foundational security concept ensures that users, processes, or systems are granted only the permissions essential for their specific roles or functions. By implementing the least privilege principle, organizations can significantly limit the potential damage that can occur from accidental errors or malicious actions.

For example, if a user has only the privileges required to complete their job tasks and nothing more, the risks posed by compromised accounts or system vulnerabilities are minimized. Should an attacker gain access to a low-privilege account, their ability to exploit the system is constrained by the limited permissions available.

In addition, applying the least privilege principle helps in maintaining a more manageable security landscape, making it easier to monitor and audit activities. By reducing the number of elevated privileges in the environment, organizations can enhance their overall security posture and mitigate the impact of insider threats.