Access control refers to security mechanisms that determine who or what can view or use resources. These controls ensure that only authorized individuals or systems can access specific data, with permissions potentially influenced by factors such as location, device, and user role.
Implementing access control is essential for protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access, ensuring compliance with security and privacy regulations, and mitigating both insider threats and external cyber risks.
Types of Access Controls:
- Discretionary Access Control (DAC): The resource owner defines access permissions.
- Mandatory Access Control (MAC): A central authority enforces access permissions based on predefined security classifications.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Access is granted based on user roles within an organization.
- Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC): Permissions are determined by various attributes, such as job title, location, or time of access.
FAQs: Access Control
What is the difference between Authentication and Access Control?
Authentication is the process of verifying who a user is (e.g., via passwords or MFA), whereas Access Control determines what that user is allowed to do or see once they are inside the system.
Is Access Control required for CMMC or NIST compliance?
Yes. Access control is a core requirement for nearly every cybersecurity framework, including CMMC, NIST 800-171, and SOC 2. These frameworks require organizations to strictly limit access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and other sensitive data.