Principle of Least Privilege 🛡

The Principle of Least Privilege (POLP) is a security concept that aligns with limiting access and authorization for operations. It's an important best practice because it reduces and mitigates security risks like hacking, data deletion, sabotage, and other negative incidents that can stem from inappropriate access levels. These risks can occur both internally and externally due to various levels of vulnerability.

People are entitled to data privacy, and the Principle of Least Privilege supports that right by limiting staff access to someone’s data only when it’s relevant to their job role. This concept is widely used in fields such as tech, healthcare, and finance. Two major categories of sensitive data include PII (Personally Identifiable Information) and PHI (Protected Health Information), which are prime targets for malicious attackers. The Principle of Separation of Duties further helps establish clear boundaries within operational roles, ensuring that staff only have access to the information necessary for their tasks.

❓ What does this all mean in practical terms?
It means that a nurse at a hospital doesn’t have access to your financial information, but they do have access to your medical records to ensure safe treatment. Meanwhile, the hospital admin staff can handle your financial transactions without having access to your healthcare data, as it's not relevant to their role.

🔎 Developer Tip:
If you’re developing a new project, carefully consider who needs access to which levels of information. Implementing data access restrictions is critical for both internal security and regulatory compliance. It's also wise to consult active US and EU guidelines, which outline standards for personal data protection.