Access Control
Access control refers to the measures and techniques used to restrict or grant access to physical spaces, computer systems, networks, or sensitive information within an organization. The primary goal of access control is to ensure that only authorized individuals or entities can gain entry to specific resources or areas, while keeping unauthorised users out. It is a crucial aspect of security in various environments.
Key Components and Aspects of Access Control
- Identification and Authentication Access control systems often require individuals to identify themselves through various means, such as passwords, PINs, keycards, biometric scans (fingerprint, iris, facial recognition), or multi-factor authentication (MFA) for enhanced security.
- Authorisation Once individuals are authenticated, the access control system checks their privileges and permissions to determine what resources they are allowed to access.
- Physical Access Control In physical access control, systems include electronic door locks, turnstiles, gates, or barriers that restrict entry to specific areas. These systems are commonly found in buildings and other facilities.
- Logical Access Control Logical access control is applied to computer systems, networks, and data. It ensures that users can only access the information and functionalities that are relevant to their roles and responsibilities.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) RBAC is a widely used access control model where access rights are assigned based on predefined roles or job functions. Users are assigned to roles, and each role has specific permissions.
- Access Control Lists (ACLs) ACLs are used to define who can access specific resources and what actions they can perform on those resources.
- Centralised Management Organisations implement centralised access control systems that allow administrators to manage access policies, permissions, and user accounts from a central location.
- Audit Trail Access control systems maintain audit logs to track access attempts and activities. This helps with security investigations and compliance requirements.
- Integration with Other Systems Access control systems can be integrated with time and attendance applications and other security measures like video surveillance, intrusion detection, and alarm systems for enhanced protection.
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