What must assessors determine regarding users and nonsecurity functions according to AC.L2-3.1.6?

The requirement stated in AC.L2-3.1.6 emphasizes that users must be required to use non-privileged accounts for their tasks whenever possible. This is a critical aspect of maintaining a secure environment. The rationale behind this requirement is to minimize the risk associated with user accounts that have heightened privileges, which can be exploited by malicious actors or even by inadvertent user errors. By using non-privileged accounts, users are restricted to the specific functions necessary for their roles, thereby limiting their access to only those resources they genuinely need to perform their job effectively.

This principle operates on the idea of least privilege, which is a key concept in cybersecurity. It ensures that users are not granted unnecessary access, thereby reducing the potential for security breaches and safeguarding sensitive information. This requirement reinforces the importance of differentiating between access levels based on the roles and needs of users in an organization. In this context, using non-privileged accounts is a fundamental practice that supports overall security and risk management within an organization.