Final answer:
The principle of least functionality dictates configuring systems to include only necessary capabilities, excluding nonessential functions. This ensures systems align with operational requirements and improves security and efficiency. When possible, systems should be limited to one function per system to simplify management and analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle of least functionality involves configuring organizational systems to offer only the essential capabilities needed for their intended use. This means that essential system capabilities are defined by what is strictly necessary for the system to fulfill its purpose, and systems must be configured to align with those definitions. Thus, any functions not required by the system in its operational environment should be excluded to minimize potential vulnerabilities and improve overall efficiency.
When determining which capabilities are essential, one method is to test for nonessential information by removing it and observing if the meaning or functionality of the system changes. If it does not, then the information or capability may be deemed nonessential. For instance, in a sentence structure, the use of 'which' is associated with nonessential information while 'that' pertains to essential information. This linguistic principle can be abstractly applied to system functionalities.Where practical, it's recommended to apply the concept of one function per system. This strategy reduces complexity, making systems easier to manage, analyze, understand, and communicate. However, in cases where a single system must handle multiple functions due to operational needs, each function should be scrutinized to ensure it is essential for the system's purpose.