Which practice is essential for securing cloud environments against unauthorized access?

Least privilege access is a fundamental security practice that is crucial for safeguarding cloud environments from unauthorized access. This principle dictates that users, systems, and applications should be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their functions effectively. By limiting permissions, the organization reduces the attack surface and minimizes the risk of accidental or malicious misuse of sensitive data and resources.

When least privilege is properly implemented, it ensures that even if an account is compromised, the potential damage is restricted as the attacker has limited access to systems and data. Additionally, this approach helps in maintaining regulatory compliance by aligning with data protection standards that require controlled access to sensitive information.

In contrast, public accessibility may expose resources to the internet without necessary protections. Free user accounts could lead to excessive permissions being granted, increasing vulnerability. Shadow IT, which refers to the use of unauthorized applications or systems by users, can further complicate security by bypassing official security controls, making it a less favorable choice for securing cloud environments.