What is Access Control?
Access Control is the process of defining and enforcing who can access systems, data, and resources within an organization. It is a core component of Identity and Access Management (IAM) and is fundamental to protecting sensitive information.
Access control mechanisms include authentication methods such as Multi Factor Authentication (MFA), authorization models like Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), and enforcement through policies and systems.
What is Access Control used for?
Access control is used to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of Insider Threat and Privilege Creep. It ensures that users only have the permissions necessary to perform their roles, aligning with the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP).
Organizations implement access control to protect Critical Business Assets (CBA), enforce compliance, and support Zero Trust architectures. Monitoring access through SIEM and audit logs also supports accountability and incident response.
