Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

Which cybersecurity principle restricts data access based on the user's role within an organization?

1. Least privilege

2. Separation of duties

3. Defense in depth

4. Encryption at rest

The correct answer is: Least privilege

The principle that restricts data access based on the user's role within an organization is known as least privilege. This important security concept ensures that individuals have only the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. By adhering to the least privilege principle, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data, as it limits the permissions granted to users based on their specific roles. For instance, a financial analyst might need access to financial software and data but should not have permissions to access human resources information. This delineation helps prevent data breaches and insider threats, as users cannot access information beyond their responsibilities. In contrast, the other options touch upon different aspects of cybersecurity but do not specifically address role-based access. Separation of duties focuses on distributing tasks and responsibilities among different individuals to prevent fraud and errors. Defense in depth is a layered security approach that employs multiple security measures to protect data and systems from various attacks. Encryption at rest refers to securing stored data through encryption to maintain confidentiality but does not relate to access control based on user roles. Thus, least privilege is the most relevant principle regarding the restriction of data access aligned with a user’s role.