What is one of the factors that limit administrator access in a cloud environment?

In a cloud environment, strict access controls serve as a foundational security mechanism that helps ensure that administrative access is limited based on the principle of least privilege. This principle dictates that users (including administrators) should only have access to the resources necessary for their job functions and nothing more. By implementing strict access controls, organizations can effectively manage who has administrative privileges, which reduces the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of permissions.

When access controls are enforced rigorously, administrators can only perform actions relevant to their specific roles, thereby minimizing the attack surface that could be exploited by unauthorized users. This structured approach to access management helps prevent data breaches, accidental deletions, and the exposure of sensitive information, ultimately enhancing the overall security posture of the cloud environment.

In contrast, excessive permissions would lead to broader access than necessary, which contradicts the aim of limiting access. Redundant data backup, while important for data recovery and integrity, does not directly pertain to access limitations, and open user roles suggest a lack of defined boundaries and controls, which can also lead to overexposure in access. Therefore, strict access controls are essential for maintaining secure and manageable administrative access in the cloud.