Final answer:
Access control refers to security mechanisms that regulate who can view or use resources in a computing environment based on the identity of the requester and specific rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Access control controls access based on the identity of the requester and on access rules stating what requesters are or are not allowed to do.
Access control is a critical concept in security that determines who is allowed to access and use company resources. The principle of least privilege is one of the foundational ideas in access control, meaning that a user should have the minimum level of access – or permissions – necessary to perform their job functions. Access control policies can be governed by rules, which are frequently enacted through technologies such as access control lists (ACLs), role-based access control (RBAC), and attribute-based access control (ABAC). These policies help to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and breaches, as well as ensure compliance with relevant regulations. They are essential in businesses, educational institutions, and various organizations to limit users' access to networks, systems, and data based on their roles and the tasks they need to perform.