Which of the following is a key element of access management in a CDE?

The least privilege principle is a fundamental concept in access management, particularly within a Cardholder Data Environment (CDE). This principle dictates that users should be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. By adhering to this principle, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive cardholder data.

When implementing the least privilege principle, access rights are carefully assigned based on the specific needs of the user’s role. This minimizes the potential attack surface, as fewer users have elevated or unnecessary permissions that could be exploited by malicious actors. In a CDE, where the protection of cardholder data is paramount, ensuring that access is restricted to only those who absolutely need it helps maintain compliance with PCI DSS requirements and enhances overall security.

In contrast, options such as root access for all users, shared account access, and even monitoring user activities do not align with best practices in access management, particularly in safeguarding sensitive information. Unlimited root access can pose significant security risks, shared accounts can complicate identity verification, and while monitoring is important, it does not replace the necessity of following the least privilege principle as a foundational approach to access control.