What does the need-to-know principle dictate?

The need-to-know principle is a fundamental concept in information security and counterintelligence that stipulates individuals should only have access to information that is required to perform their specific job functions or tasks. By implementing this principle, organizations can minimize the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information, thereby helping to protect against potential security breaches and espionage.

This principle emphasizes that sharing information broadly can expose it to unnecessary risks. Instead, limiting access to only those who truly need the information ensures that sensitive data is safeguarded and that employees are not overwhelmed with unnecessary information that could lead to inadvertent disclosures. In essence, the need-to-know principle is about maintaining operational security and confidentiality while enabling efficient task performance.