Which cybersecurity principle focuses on granting users only the permissions necessary to perform their job functions?

The principle that focuses on granting users only the permissions necessary to perform their job functions is known as least privilege. This cybersecurity concept is critical in minimizing potential risks and vulnerabilities within an organization. By providing individuals with only the minimum level of access required to carry out their responsibilities, you significantly reduce the surface area for potential misuse or accidental harm.

For instance, if a user only needs access to specific files or systems to perform their job effectively, granting them broader permissions can expose sensitive information and increase the risk of security breaches. Implementing the least privilege principle helps organizations ensure that users cannot access or manipulate data that does not pertain to their roles, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of the organization.

In contrast, confidentiality relates to protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access, integrity ensures that data is accurate and unaltered, and availability guarantees that information and resources are accessible to authorized users when needed. While these principles are also crucial to cybersecurity, they do not specifically address the concept of limiting permissions to only what is absolutely necessary for job functions.