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

Which principle is behind role-based access control (RBAC)?

1. Separation of duties

2. Auditability

3. Least privilege

4. Defense in depth

The correct answer is: Least privilege

Role-based access control (RBAC) is fundamentally grounded in the principle of least privilege, which ensures that users are granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. This principle is crucial for enhancing security because it limits users' permissions and reduces the potential impact of accidental or malicious actions. By ensuring that individuals only have access to the information and systems required for their roles, organizations can effectively minimize the risks associated with unauthorized access and misuse of data. In RBAC, roles are defined based on job responsibilities, and access rights are assigned to those roles rather than to individual users. This not only streamlines the management of user permissions but also reinforces the least privilege principle, as users can only perform tasks relevant to their defined roles. Therefore, the design and implementation of RBAC systems are fundamentally aligned with the least privilege principle, making it the correct choice in this context.