The principle of least privilege (PoLP) is a key cybersecurity practice where users are given the minimum access needed to perform their tasks. This concept helps reduce the potential damage from accidents, insider threats, or compromised accounts.
By limiting access to only what’s essential, organizations minimize the pathways that attackers can exploit. If a user with excessive permissions is compromised, attackers may gain broader access than necessary. Least privilege helps prevent that scenario.
Implementing PoLP involves evaluating job roles, setting clear access policies, and using tools to monitor and adjust privileges regularly. Automation can help identify permission creep—when users accumulate more access over time than they actually need.
This principle is also a critical part of regulatory compliance. Organizations handling sensitive data like Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must apply PoLP to meet cybersecurity frameworks and audit standards.
A CMMC enclave supports least privilege by isolating sensitive workflows and enabling strict access management. It provides a defined perimeter for handling CUI, making it easier to enforce tight controls without affecting the rest of the IT environment.
Practicing least privilege access is not just a security measure—it’s a strategic approach to limiting exposure and aligning with compliance.