Which concept involves restricting user access to only what is necessary for their role in cloud security?

The concept that involves restricting user access to only what is necessary for their role in cloud security is known as least privilege. This principle is fundamental in security practices and ensures that users are granted the minimum levels of access – or permissions – needed to perform their job functions effectively. By implementing least privilege, organizations can reduce the risk of accidental misuse or malicious exploitation of sensitive data and resources, thereby strengthening the overall security posture.

Least privilege minimizes the attack surface by limiting the potential exposure of systems and information. For instance, if a user only requires access to a specific application or dataset for their duties, they should not have broader access rights that could lead to unauthorized actions elsewhere.

While other concepts mentioned, such as separation of duties and role-based access control, also play significant roles in cloud security, they serve different purposes. Separation of duties focuses on ensuring that no single individual has control over all aspects of any critical function, which helps prevent fraud and errors. Role-based access control, on the other hand, assigns access rights based on user roles; although this aligns with least privilege principles, it does not inherently enforce the minimum necessary access as explicitly as least privilege does. Mandatory vacations are primarily a practice to detect fraud and misconduct rather than a method for restricting access.