What does the principle of least privilege in software design ensure?

The principle of least privilege is a foundational concept in security that ensures that users and components in a system only have the minimum level of access or permissions necessary to perform their designated functions. This principle minimizes the risk of accidental or intentional misuse of software and helps mitigate the potential impact of security vulnerabilities.

By adhering to this principle, software design limits the scope of what each user or component can do, thus reducing the attack surface. For instance, if a user only needs to read data, granting them write access could lead to data alteration, whether intentional or accidental. Similarly, minimizing permissions for software components prevents them from executing unnecessary functions that could be exploited by malicious actors.

In this context, the correct answer emphasizes the importance of restricting access to prevent misuse, therefore aligning with security best practices in software development. This is vital for building robust, secure applications that protect sensitive information and maintain system integrity.