How does the Principle of Least Privilege primarily affect user permissions?

The Principle of Least Privilege asserts that users should be granted the minimum level of access—rights and permissions—necessary to perform their job functions. This principle is crucial in enhancing security within an organization, as it reduces the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of privileges. When users are granted only the permissions they truly need, the potential for unauthorized access or damage to systems and data is significantly minimized.

In practice, this means that if a user needs permission to access a specific file or application to perform their tasks, they are given access only to that resource, rather than a broader set of controls. This focused access helps to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of systems, thereby supporting overall security goals.

Other options do not align with the core concept of the Principle of Least Privilege. Limiting access to administrative settings, while important, does not capture the wider essence of only providing necessary permissions. Granting full access to all resources clearly contravenes this principle, undermining security policies. Lastly, enforcing stricter security policies is a broader issue that can encompass many practices beyond just user permissions, making it less specific to the Principle of Least Privilege.