Principle of Least Privilege

The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) is a security concept that advocates giving users and systems the minimum levels of access necessary to perform their functions. This principle is crucial for mitigating risks associated with unauthorized access and data breaches.

• **Access Control**: Mechanisms that limit access to resources based on user permissions.
• **User Roles**: Define what level of access each user or group of users has.
• **Privilege Escalation**: When a user gains unauthorized privileges, often taking advantage of misconfigurations.

3.1 Assess User Needs

Identify the roles of users and understand what access they genuinely need.

3.2 Define Roles and Permissions

Create roles that align with job responsibilities, ensuring that each role has the least amount of privilege necessary:

{
  "roles": {
    "admin": ["read", "write", "delete"],
    "editor": ["read", "write"],
    "viewer": ["read"]
  }
}
            

3.3 Implement Access Controls

Apply the defined roles and permissions in your system's access control mechanisms.

3.4 Regularly Review Permissions

Conduct periodic audits to ensure that permissions are still appropriate and adjust as necessary.

• Implement role-based access control (RBAC).
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive actions.
• Regularly update and patch systems to mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Log access and changes for auditing purposes.
• Educate users about the importance of security practices.