The principle of least privilege is a security concept that restricts users’ access rights to only what is strictly necessary for their job functions. This control is the most effective in preventing unauthorized data access because it minimizes the chances of users, either intentionally or unintentionally, accessing data they are not authorized to view. It ensures that users are granted the minimum levels of access – or permissions – needed to perform their work. This reduces the risk of accidental or deliberate access to sensitive information.

References: The concept of least privilege is widely recognized as a fundamental security measure and is discussed in various ISACA resources. It is a key component of access control frameworks and is designed to limit the risk of unauthorized access to data, as outlined in ISACA’s guidelines1234. The principle is also part of the Identity and Access Management Audit Program provided by ISACA, which includes specific testing and evaluation criteria to assess the adequacy of safeguards in place to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized data access5.