# NIST800 171 3.1.5 — Least Privilege

- Source: https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/a_gen_nist800171_315_be3916e651-nist800-171-315-least-privilege
- Section: [Solutions](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions) › [NIST SP 800-171 Readiness](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/c_gen_nist800171) › [Access Control](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/folders/f_gen_cgennist800171_accesscontrol)
- Last updated: 2026-05-30
- Publisher: iCompaas, Inc. (https://www.icompaas.com)

NIST800 171 · Control 3.1.5 · Priority: critical · Component: Access Control

### What this control covers

This control enforces the principle of least privilege by limiting system access for users and processes to only what is necessary for their organizational tasks. It mandates that access to security functions and security-relevant information is restricted, and that access privileges are reviewed and adjusted periodically to ensure they remain appropriate. This control supports the Access Management System capability within the Access Control (3.1) family.

### Why it matters

Risk is the language an executive team understands; this control connects technical reality to board-level decisions and budget allocation.

### How to implement

#### AWS

Codify the policy intent as **SCPs, AWS Config conformance packs, and Security Hub standards** so the cloud enforces what the document says.

#### Azure

Codify in **Azure Policy initiatives** (built-in regulatory compliance for CIS, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA) and assign at management-group level.

#### On-premises

Maintain a policy library with a documented review cadence (annual minimum); store in your GRC tool with attestation tracking. Map each policy to controls so an audit pull cites the exact policy clause.

### Evidence to collect

-   `policy_document` — A signed, version-controlled policy stating leadership intent and the named owner.
-   `infra_scan` — See the iCompaas Evidence library for the canonical source for this evidence type.

Signed policy or standard documents the safeguard. Focus: Least Privilege.

### Quick checklist

-   Access — Management / Privilege
-   Information — Management / Privilege
-   Least — Management / Privilege
-   Access Control — Management / Privilege
-   System — Management / Privilege
-   Risk — Management / Privilege

### Related articles on this site

-   [NIST 800-171 3.1.1 Limit information system access to authorized users, processes acting on behalf of authorized users, or devices (including other information systems).](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229223-nist-800-171-3-1-1-limit-information-system-access-to-authorized-users-processes-acting-on-behalf-of)
-   [NIST 800-171 3.1.5 Employ the principle of least privilege, including for specific security functions and privileged accounts.](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229227-nist-800-171-3-1-5-employ-the-principle-of-least-privilege-including-for-specific-security-functions)
-   [NIST 800-171 3.4.6 Employ the principle of least functionality by configuring organizational systems to provide only essential capabilities.](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229285-nist-800-171-3-4-6-employ-the-principle-of-least-functionality-by-configuring-organizational-systems-)
-   [NIST 800-171 3.5.2 Authenticate (or verify) the identities of users, processes, or devices, as a prerequisite to allowing access to organizational systems.](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229290-nist-800-171-3-5-2-authenticate-or-verify-the-identities-of-users-processes-or-devices-as-a-prer)

## Related compliance guidance

- [NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC: a practical guide to protecting CUI in the cloud](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/nist-sp-800-171-rev-3): The CUI requirements CMMC Level 2 assesses, the SPRS score, POA&M rules and the phased DFARS rollout.
- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: a practical implementation guide for cloud teams](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/nist-sp-800-53-rev-5): The federal catalogue 800-171 is derived from — useful when a contract also cites a FedRAMP baseline.