Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-300) Practice Exam

What does the principle of least privilege primarily restrict?

1. Access to information only to individuals explicitly granted access

2. Data transmission to authorized users only

3. Network access only to administrator accounts

4. Access based on user productivity levels

The correct answer is: Access to information only to individuals explicitly granted access

The principle of least privilege is a fundamental security concept that restricts access to information and resources only to those individuals or processes that have been explicitly granted that level of access. This means that users are given the minimum levels of access necessary to perform their job functions or responsibilities. By adhering to this principle, organizations can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information, minimize the potential impact of a security breach, and ensure that the integrity and confidentiality of the data are maintained. This principle effectively limits the exposure of sensitive data by ensuring that only those who need access to it for legitimate reasons can obtain it. It serves as a key component of many security frameworks and is critical in environments where data sensitivity is paramount. In contrast, options relating to data transmission or network access do not reflect the essence of the principle of least privilege, which specifically focuses on limiting access rights and permissions rather than the methods of how data and network resources are accessed or transmitted. Additionally, the focus on user productivity levels does not align with the primary goal of minimizing access based solely on necessity.