(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What principle asserts that users and programs should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their tasks?

1. Principle of Confidentiality

2. Principle of Accountability

3. Principle of Least Privilege

4. Principle of Integrity

The correct answer is: Principle of Least Privilege

The principle that states users and programs should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their tasks is known as the Principle of Least Privilege. This principle is foundational in cybersecurity and access control because it helps to limit potential damage from accidents or malicious actions. By restricting access rights for users and programs to only those that are absolutely necessary, organizations can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information and systems. Applying the Principle of Least Privilege not only enhances security by minimizing the number of accounts that possess extensive permissions, but it also aids in potential breach detection; suspicious activities can be more readily identified when users do not have excessive permissions to access critical or sensitive data. In environments where this principle is adhered to, the chance for users to perform actions outside of their defined roles is significantly diminished, thus improving the overall security posture of the organization. The other concepts mentioned do not emphasize this specific aspect of access control. The Principle of Confidentiality focuses on protecting information from unauthorized access. The Principle of Accountability pertains to tracking and auditing actions taken by users to ensure they can be held responsible for their behavior. The Principle of Integrity deals with maintaining the accuracy and trustworthiness of data. While all these principles are important in the broader context of cybersecurity, it is the