What principle ensures that users have only the access necessary to perform their job functions?

The principle that ensures users have only the access necessary to perform their job functions is known as the principle of least privilege. This principle dictates that individuals should be granted the minimum level of access – or privileges – required to carry out their specific tasks. By adhering to this principle, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access or misuse of sensitive information and systems.

Implementing least privilege limits the potential impact of errors or malicious actions by users. For instance, if a user only has access to the data and systems essential for their role, the chances of them inadvertently compromising more critical assets are reduced. This approach not only enhances security but also supports compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices in security management.

In contrast, the concepts of accountability, segregation of duties, and need to know focus on various aspects of security but do not specifically target the restriction of access based on job functions in the same way as the principle of least privilege. Accountability pertains to tracking and logging user actions, segregation of duties aims to prevent fraud by ensuring critical tasks require multiple individuals to complete, and need to know restricts access to information based on necessity for specific tasks rather than general job functions.