When setting user permissions, what is a common best practice?

Restricting permissions to the minimum necessary is a fundamental principle in cybersecurity and system administration known as the principle of least privilege. This practice helps ensure that users have only the access they need to perform their job functions without exposing the system to unnecessary risk or potential abuse.

By limiting user permissions, organizations can significantly reduce the chances of accidental or intentional data breaches, unauthorized modifications, or the propagation of malware. If users have excessive rights, such as administrative privileges, they might inadvertently compromise system security or alter critical configurations. Instead, by providing just the right level of access, organizations can maintain tighter control over their data and systems, enhancing overall security and operational integrity.

This approach also facilitates better auditing and monitoring of user activities since it is easier to track actions taken by users with defined roles and permissions. Contextually, the other options reflect practices that could lead to vulnerabilities or security breaches, either by granting excessive privileges or failing to regularly review permissions.