What is the principle of "least privilege" in cloud access management?

The principle of "least privilege" in cloud access management centers on the concept of providing users with only the minimum access rights required to perform their job functions. This principle is foundational for enhancing security, as it effectively reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data and resources. By limiting access rights, organizations can mitigate potential security breaches, minimize the attack surface, and ensure that users are not able to engage in activities that extend beyond their defined roles.

Implementing the least privilege principle helps companies adhere to compliance requirements and best practices in risk management. When users are granted excessive permissions or unrestricted access, the chances of accidental or intentional misuse increase, which can lead to data leaks, malware infections, or insider threats. Consequently, the approach of providing just the necessary permissions aligns with a security-first strategy and supports the protection of critical assets in cloud environments.