Day 45: The Real Meaning of “Least Privilege” in CMMC

On Day 45 of the CMMC Countdown, let’s unpack a term that gets thrown around a lot: least privilege.

It sounds technical, but it’s about trust and responsibility. The principal of least privilege means giving people access only to what they need to do their job, nothing more.

Why It Matters

In the world of defense contracting, over-permissioned accounts are a major risk. If someone with broad access gets hacked, the attacker inherits all their privileges.

CMMC requires you to:

• Define roles clearly
• Limit access to sensitive systems and data
• Review permissions regularly

Real-World Example

A project manager doesn’t need admin access to the file server. A developer doesn’t need access to HR records. These are simple fixes that reduce risk dramatically.

What You Can Do Today 

• Audit user roles and permissions
• Remove dormant accounts
• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Valeo Networks helps organizations implement least privilege policies that meet CMMC standards without disrupting operations.
Schedule your assessment today
📧 Contact: Jim Gast – jim@valeonetworks.com