AWS Technical Essentials Practice

What is a benefit of using the Least Privileged model in IAM?

1. Enables broad access to all resources

2. Reduces the risk of accidental exposure

3. Increases the number of permissions granted

4. Simplifies user access management

The correct answer is: Reduces the risk of accidental exposure

The Least Privileged model in Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a crucial principle that emphasizes giving users the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. This approach enhances security by ensuring that individuals have only the permissions that are essential for their tasks, thereby reducing the risk of accidental exposure of sensitive resources or data. By adhering to this model, organizations significantly mitigate the chances of unauthorized access or unintended actions that could compromise system integrity or privacy. Users cannot perform actions beyond their permissions, which limits the potential damage if an account is compromised or if a user inadvertently makes a mistake. While providing broad access or simplifying user access management may appear beneficial, they do not align with the security posture that the Least Privileged model aims to achieve. In fact, broad access could expose systems to security vulnerabilities, and increasing the number of permissions contradicts the principle of least privilege. Therefore, reducing the risk of accidental exposure is a direct and significant benefit of implementing this model in IAM.