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POLP

The document discusses the principle of least privilege (POLP), which is a security concept that limits users' access to only what they need to do their jobs. POLP grants users the minimum permissions to read, write or execute files required for their roles. Implementing POLP provides benefits like preventing malware spread, reducing cyber attacks, improving productivity and demonstrating compliance.

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Abhishek Avhale
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13 views5 pages

POLP

The document discusses the principle of least privilege (POLP), which is a security concept that limits users' access to only what they need to do their jobs. POLP grants users the minimum permissions to read, write or execute files required for their roles. Implementing POLP provides benefits like preventing malware spread, reducing cyber attacks, improving productivity and demonstrating compliance.

Uploaded by

Abhishek Avhale
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Principles Of List

Privilege

What is the principle of least privilege (POLP)?


The principle of least privilege (POLP) is a concept in computer security that limits
users' access rights to only what is strictly required to do their jobs.

POLP can also restrict access rights for applications, systems and processes to only those
who are authorized. This principle is also known as the access control principle or the
principle of minimal privilege.

POLP is considered a cybersecurity best practice, as it restricts access to high-value data


and assets. In addition, organizations that use POLP can improve their security posture by
reducing their attack surface. It's also used in zero-trust network access (ZTNA).

Depending on the system, some privileges might be based on attributes contingent on the
user's role within the organization. For example, some corporate access systems grant the
appropriate level of access based on factors such as location, seniority or time of day. An
organization can specify which users can access what in the system and the system can be
configured so the access controls recognize only the administrators' roles and parameters.
How does POLP work?

The principle of least privilege grants users permission to read, write or execute only the
files or resources necessary to do their jobs. Time-limited privileges can also be enabled to
ensure users have access to critical data for just the amount of time needed to perform a
specific task. Without this principle, an organization could create overprivileged users, which
could increase their chance of data breaches and malicious actions.
Organizations should adopt POLP as a default security measure to ensure that no one
employee has access to critical information they don't need. Likewise, the number of
privileged accounts should be kept at a minimum. For example, system administrators are
typically privileged accounts, as they help other employees with their software and
hardware. Some system administrators might be given unlimited privileges, making them a
bigger target for attackers. As such, minimal privileges should also be placed on system
administrators, limiting the total number of users they have access to.

When configuring new systems or applications, all unnecessary services, applications and
data should be disabled. This includes any applications that might be enabled by default.

Organizations should also log authentication and authorizations to critical systems. This
way, they can keep track of failed login attempts and access control changes -- which can
be a sign of threat actors. Likewise, organizations should review accounts and privileges at
regular intervals to ensure there are no overprivileged users.

Benefits of using principle of least privilege

POLP can provide organizations with the following benefits:

● Prevents the spread of malware. By imposing POLP restrictions on computer


systems, malware attacks can't use higher-privilege or administrator accounts to
install malware or damage the system.
● Decreases chances of a cyber attack. Most cyber attacks occur when a hacker
exploits privileged credentials. POLP protects systems by limiting the potential
damage that an unauthorized user gaining access to a system can cause.
● Improves user productivity. Only giving users the required access to complete their
necessary tasks means higher productivity and less troubleshooting.
● Helps demonstrate compliance. In the event of an audit, an organization can prove
its compliance with regulatory requirements by presenting the POLP concepts it has
implemented.
● Helps with data classification. POLP concepts enable companies to keep track of
who has access to what data in the event of unauthorized acces
How to implement POLP

Applying POLP concepts can be as simple as eliminating end-user access to devices --


such as removing USB drives to prevent the exfiltration of classified information -- or more
involved operations, such as conducting regular privilege audits.

Organizations can successfully implement POLP by doing the following:

● Conducting privilege audits by reviewing all existing processes, programs and


accounts to ensure there's no privilege creep.
● Starting all accounts with least privilege and adding privileges according to the
access required.
● Implementing separation of privileges by distinguishing between higher-level
privilege accounts and lower-level privilege accounts.
● Assigning just-in-time least privileges by providing lower-level privilege accounts with
limited access to complete the necessary task.
● Tracking and tracing individual actions conducted by one-time-use credentials to
avoid potential damage.

Principal Of List Privilege


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