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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Advanced

Least Common Mechanism

Design principle that mechanisms shared by multiple users should be minimized to reduce unintended information paths.

Definition

Least common mechanism limits shared resources, such as shared memory or shared accounts, that could become covert channels or single points of compromise. Each user or process should have its own isolated mechanism where practical. Virtualization and containerization reflect this principle.

Example

Giving each service its own service account instead of one shared account limits cross-service compromise.

Exam tip

Less common on exams; recognize it among the Saltzer and Schroeder principles.

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