Implementing Least Privilege Access in Windows

Least privilege means users have only the permissions necessary for their job function — no more. Running with a standard (non-admin) account for daily work significantly limits damage from malware and accidental system changes. For Windows environments: create a separate admin account for each IT staff member for administrative tasks. Day-to-day work (email, browsing, documents) should use a standard account. When administrative tasks are needed, use runas or the 'Run as administrator' prompt with admin credentials — don't log out and log back in. Group Policy enforcement: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > User Rights Assignment. Review 'Log on as a service,' 'Act as part of the operating system,' and 'Manage auditing and security log' — these should only include necessary accounts. Audit local administrator group membership on all workstations regularly — unauthorized additions to the local admin group are a red flag. Tools like Microsoft LAPS (Local Administrator Password Solution) assign unique, automatically rotating passwords to each workstation's local admin account, preventing lateral movement using a shared local admin password.