Removing local administrator rights from normal users on a computer is a common security practice for several reasons:
- Minimize the risk of malware infections: Users with administrator rights can install software and make system-wide changes. If a user inadvertently installs malicious software, it can infect the entire system. By restricting users to standard accounts, the potential impact of malware is limited.
- Prevent unauthorized software installations: Without administrator rights, users cannot install software without permission. This helps organizations maintain control over the software environment, ensuring that only approved and licensed applications are installed.
- Protect system settings: Administrator-level access allows users to modify system settings, which could inadvertently disrupt system stability or security. Limiting access to these settings helps maintain a consistent and secure computing environment.
- Safeguard sensitive data: Administrators have access to all files and settings on a computer, including sensitive data. Restricting administrator privileges reduces the risk of unauthorized access to confidential information.
- Compliance requirements: Many industry regulations and standards, such as PCI DSS and HIPAA, require organizations to implement least privilege principles, which include restricting user access to only the resources necessary to perform their job functions. Removing local admin rights aligns with these compliance requirements.
- Mitigate insider threats: Limiting the number of users with administrator privileges reduces the potential for insider threats. Malicious insiders are less likely to be able to cause significant damage if they do not have elevated privileges.
Overall, removing local administrator rights from normal users is an essential security measure to mitigate various risks and maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of computing resources.