Difference between revisions of "Least Privilege"
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==Context== | ==Context== | ||
| + | In computer systems, privilege refers to the authority granted to users or processes to perform actions that affect system security, configuration, or access to sensitive resources. It’s a foundational concept in operating system design and cybersecurity. | ||
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If a user is granted administration privilege on a computer system, any program running as that user has complete control of the computer system. If that is a highly privileged computer, that app has all of those high level privileges. | If a user is granted administration privilege on a computer system, any program running as that user has complete control of the computer system. If that is a highly privileged computer, that app has all of those high level privileges. | ||
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| + | Least privilege: Every program and every user of the system should operate using the least set of privileges necessary to complete the job. Primarily, this principle limits the damage that can result from an accident or error. It also reduces the number of potential interactions among privileged programs to the minimum for correct operation, so that unintentional, unwanted, or improper uses of privilege are less likely to occur. Thus, if a question arises related to misuse of a privilege, the number of programs that must be audited is minimized. Put another way, if a mechanism can provide "firewalls," the principle of least privilege provides a rationale for where to install the firewalls. The military security rule of "need-to-know" is an example of this principle.<ref>JEROME H. SALTZER & MICHAEL D. SCHROEDER, ''The Protection of Information in Computer Systems'' Revised version in Communications of the ACM 17, 7 (1974-07). https://www.cs.virginia.edu/~evans/cs551/saltzer/</ref> | ||
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| + | https://www.institutedata.com/blog/principle-of-least-privilege-in-cyber-security/#:~:text=Origins%20of%20the%20principle%20of,security%20practices%20around%20the%20world | ||
==Problems== | ==Problems== | ||
| + | * Enforce principle of [[Least Privilege]] through authorization policies. Minimize unnecessary privileges for identities. Consider privileges assigned to human identities as well as non-person (e.g., software) identities. In cloud environments, non-person identities (service accounts or roles) with excessive privileges are a key vector for lateral movement and data access. Account privileges should be clearly defined, narrowly scoped, and regularly audited against usage patterns.<ref>CISA ''2021 Trends Show Increased Globalized Threat of Ransomware''. (2022-02-10) https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa22-040a</ref> | ||
==Applications== | ==Applications== | ||
| + | A security guy worried about the amount of privilege granted to running software all the time. (prefer Least Privilege.) Does software already acquire privilege? It depends on whether you are a lawyer or a technology administrator. For example, does the patient software in a hospital need privilege to handle user health data | ||
| + | Yes—but not in the legal sense of “privilege” like attorney-client or physician-patient confidentiality. In hospital settings, patient software (like EHR systems) needs privileged access in the technical and regulatory sense to handle sensitive health data. | ||
| + | === What Kind of “Privilege” Is Required?=== | ||
| + | * Technical Privileged Access | ||
| + | ** Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Software must enforce strict access based on user roles (e.g., doctor, nurse, admin). | ||
| + | ** Least Privilege Principle: Users and systems only get access to the minimum data necessary for their function. | ||
| + | ** Privileged Access Management (PAM): Critical for protecting backend systems and administrative functions from misuse. | ||
| + | * Regulatory Authorization | ||
| + | ** HIPAA Compliance: U.S. law requires that any system handling Protected Health Information (PHI) ensures confidentiality, integrity, and availability. | ||
| + | ** Audit Trails & Logging: Systems must track who accessed what data and when. | ||
| + | ** Authentication & Encryption: Strong identity verification and data protection mechanisms are mandator | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Latest revision as of 11:02, 2 August 2025
Contents
Full Title or Meme
The Principle of Least Privilege is as old a computer applications to National Security.
Context
In computer systems, privilege refers to the authority granted to users or processes to perform actions that affect system security, configuration, or access to sensitive resources. It’s a foundational concept in operating system design and cybersecurity.
If a user is granted administration privilege on a computer system, any program running as that user has complete control of the computer system. If that is a highly privileged computer, that app has all of those high level privileges.
Least privilege: Every program and every user of the system should operate using the least set of privileges necessary to complete the job. Primarily, this principle limits the damage that can result from an accident or error. It also reduces the number of potential interactions among privileged programs to the minimum for correct operation, so that unintentional, unwanted, or improper uses of privilege are less likely to occur. Thus, if a question arises related to misuse of a privilege, the number of programs that must be audited is minimized. Put another way, if a mechanism can provide "firewalls," the principle of least privilege provides a rationale for where to install the firewalls. The military security rule of "need-to-know" is an example of this principle.[1]
Problems
- Enforce principle of Least Privilege through authorization policies. Minimize unnecessary privileges for identities. Consider privileges assigned to human identities as well as non-person (e.g., software) identities. In cloud environments, non-person identities (service accounts or roles) with excessive privileges are a key vector for lateral movement and data access. Account privileges should be clearly defined, narrowly scoped, and regularly audited against usage patterns.[2]
Applications
A security guy worried about the amount of privilege granted to running software all the time. (prefer Least Privilege.) Does software already acquire privilege? It depends on whether you are a lawyer or a technology administrator. For example, does the patient software in a hospital need privilege to handle user health data Yes—but not in the legal sense of “privilege” like attorney-client or physician-patient confidentiality. In hospital settings, patient software (like EHR systems) needs privileged access in the technical and regulatory sense to handle sensitive health data.
What Kind of “Privilege” Is Required?
- Technical Privileged Access
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Software must enforce strict access based on user roles (e.g., doctor, nurse, admin).
- Least Privilege Principle: Users and systems only get access to the minimum data necessary for their function.
- Privileged Access Management (PAM): Critical for protecting backend systems and administrative functions from misuse.
- Regulatory Authorization
- HIPAA Compliance: U.S. law requires that any system handling Protected Health Information (PHI) ensures confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Audit Trails & Logging: Systems must track who accessed what data and when.
- Authentication & Encryption: Strong identity verification and data protection mechanisms are mandator
References
- ↑ JEROME H. SALTZER & MICHAEL D. SCHROEDER, The Protection of Information in Computer Systems Revised version in Communications of the ACM 17, 7 (1974-07). https://www.cs.virginia.edu/~evans/cs551/saltzer/
- ↑ CISA 2021 Trends Show Increased Globalized Threat of Ransomware. (2022-02-10) https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa22-040a
