Which principle restricts access to sensitive data only to individuals who need it?

The principle that restricts access to sensitive data only to individuals who need it is the Need-to-Know principle. This principle is foundational in information security and ensures that individuals have access only to the information necessary for their specific roles or tasks. It minimizes the risk of unnecessary exposure to sensitive data, thus enhancing the overall security posture by limiting data accessibility.

The Need-to-Know principle operates on the premise that possessing information does not always equate to needing access to it. By strictly controlling access, organizations help prevent potential misuse or unintended disclosure of sensitive data. This approach complements other security measures and protocols, ensuring that users are granted the minimum necessary permissions aligned closely with their job functions.

While the Least Privilege principle is closely related, as it also involves minimizing access rights, it focuses more broadly on reducing user permissions to the minimum required for operational capability, not specifically targeting the concept of access linked to necessity. Understanding both principles is crucial, but specifically for access to sensitive data based on a defined requirement, the Need-to-Know principle is the most applicable.