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The principle of least privilege is a cybersecurity concept that dictates that any user, program, or process should have only the bare minimum permissions necessary to perform its specific function. This means granting the least amount of access to resources as is required for the entity to complete its intended task. The goal is to limit the potential damage that can be caused by accidental errors, malicious attacks, or compromised accounts.

Implementing the principle of least privilege reduces the attack surface of a system. If an account or program is compromised, the attacker's capabilities will be restricted to only what that compromised entity was authorized to do. This can prevent attackers from escalating their privileges, accessing sensitive data, or causing widespread disruption. For example, a user who only needs to read documents should not have the ability to delete or modify them. Similarly, a software application that only needs to access a specific database table should not be granted access to all tables or administrative functions.

This principle is a fundamental aspect of secure system design and is often applied across various levels, including operating system permissions, network access controls, and application-level security. Regular review and adjustment of permissions are crucial to ensure that the principle of least privilege remains effective as system requirements and user roles evolve.