POLP and data security – A brief over-view of its impact
POLP or the principle of least privilege can be considered as a vital computer security concept. The idea is to restrict or limit the user’s rights. The users would be given minimum permissions, and they are supposed to work by maintaining this boundary. An important point to note is that the users are given enough information so that they can smoothly conduct their job. In some cases, users do not require access to resources and files. The network administrator managing the IT environment of the enterprise is supposed to look after it. Privilege is restricted because it can ensure the security of the network systems. The term “Least User Access” (LUA) can be used to denote the users whose privileges are limited (Liu et al., 2012). A superuser possesses the privilege of restricting the LUAs.
The benefits of the principle
POLP has been designed to restrict the access of unauthorized users, and it offers a lot of benefits for the enterprise. The list of benefits has been outlined below-
- Creation of a stable environment– The users are not given excessive permissions. Therefore, they cannot take advantage of the permissions given to them by the network administrator. The purpose is to reduce errors and attacks to the network systems. A stable environment can be created that consists of the least amount of liabilities (Ma et al., 2011).
- Reduction in the occurrences of damages– When the privilege approach is applied, the chances of any catastrophic damage reduces as well. It restricts the entry of malicious software, and the vulnerability of the systems reduces as well.
- Enhanced data security- Large and small enterprises often become the target of malicious attackers. Data security can become an issue. The business might be at risk of losing sensitive information. Hence, the application of the principle would ensure monitoring as well as controlling of users’ behavior. The overall security can be strengthened.
Ways in which POLP ensures data security
One of the vital aspects of an enterprise is its computer system and network security. The above-discussed principle has been designed to ensure the security of systems. A list of ways in which POLP positively enhances data security has been outlined below –
- The overall functionality of network systems enhances because the POLP approach reduces the number of malicious attacks
- In an organization, it is essential to restrict certain groups of users from availing the files and databases because there is no need for allowing their access. The superiors can handle the databases and the files correctly.
- Disruptions can be minimized after applying this principle because hackers are less likely to install malicious software.
- The principle ensures the least harm to the enterprise system. Therefore, errors are less likely to occur (Schneider, Morrisett & Harper, 2001).
- System stability, along with system security, can be ensured because the limited code would restrict interactions, and users will not be able to exploit the system. Exploitation would have occurred if users were allowed to have extreme exposure to enterprise databases.