Which of the following is a key element of effective identity management?

Tracking and controlling user access rights is essential for effective identity management because it ensures that individuals have access only to the resources necessary for their role within an organization. This principle of least privilege helps to mitigate risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized access, as it limits the potential for misuse of information. By maintaining detailed records of who has access to what, organizations can monitor, audit, and enforce access policies to protect sensitive data and systems. This active management of access rights helps to identify and respond to potential security threats in a timely manner, fostering a more secure network environment.

Minimizing user access to all data does not provide the flexibility needed for users to perform their jobs effectively and could hinder productivity. Encouraging sharing of credentials is counterproductive to security best practices, as it leads to accountability issues and increased vulnerability. Maximizing user privilege across systems can create significant security risks, as it increases the potential for abuse or accidental data loss by individuals who may not need elevated access in their daily tasks.