Why it matters
Narrow permissions can reduce what an error or compromised account can affect. In a genomic workflow, the account that reads input files may not need to change them, administer instruments, or access participant identities.
A practical example
Imagine an analysis service reads approved sequence files and writes results to a designated location. It has no reason to edit the identity lookup table or change who can download the data.
An important distinction
Least privilege requires attention as work changes. A permission appropriate for a temporary task may become unnecessary later. Restricting access also needs to preserve legitimate work, with a clear way to request and review exceptions.
Sources and further reading
- PRIMARY SOURCE NIST: Least privilege
The example above is hypothetical. Related cases provide context; they do not imply that every case involved this mechanism.