Which principle involves granting the least amount of privilege necessary to perform a task?

The principle that involves granting the least amount of privilege necessary to perform a task is known as the Principle of Least Privilege. This principle is foundational in security practices and is designed to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to systems and sensitive information. By allowing users only the access essential for their specific role or task, it reduces the potential damage that could occur from either accidental misuse or malicious intent.

Implementing the Principle of Least Privilege helps organizations contain security breaches, limit the spread of malware, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. This principle is critical in environments where users may have elevated permissions, as it limits the amount of power any individual has, thus creating a more secure operational environment.

The other principles mentioned are not widely recognized in the context of security operations or privileges. For example, the notion of granting maximum beneficial access contradicts the intention of minimizing risk, while concepts related to responsibility or control do not specifically address the need for limited privilege access in security practices.