In which security framework is the principle of least privilege most emphasized?

The principle of least privilege is fundamentally associated with access control frameworks. This principle dictates that users, systems, and applications should be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their functions. By limiting privileges, organizations can reduce the attack surface, mitigate risks, and minimize the potential impact of a security breach or internal misuse.

Access control frameworks focus heavily on managing who can access what resources within a system, thereby implementing the principle of least privilege through mechanisms such as role-based access control (RBAC) or attribute-based access control (ABAC). These methods ensure that users only have permissions that align with their specific job requirements, effectively protecting sensitive information and critical systems from unnecessary exposure.

In contrast, incident response deals with the processes and actions taken after a security event has occurred, data loss prevention focuses on safeguarding sensitive data from unauthorized access or breaches, and application security aims at protecting software applications from vulnerabilities. While these areas may incorporate aspects of access control, they do not emphasize the principle of least privilege to the extent that access control frameworks do.