The principle of least privilege enhances security by limiting user access rights to only what is necessary for their role. This minimizes risk by reducing the potential entry points for malicious actors. If a user account is compromised, the damage is contained because the intruder would have limited access. Implementing least privilege also aids in regulatory compliance and improves accountability since actions can be traced back to specific users. Overall, this principle fosters a more secure environment by restricting access and thus preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems.