What is Access Control? - Citrix (2024)

FAQs

What is Access Control? - Citrix? ›

Access control is a fundamental component of data security that dictates who's allowed to access and use company information and resources. Through authentication and authorization, access control policies make sure users are who they say they are and that they have appropriate access to company data.

Access control is an essential element of security that determines who is allowed to access certain data, apps, and resources—and in what circ*mstances. In the same way that keys and preapproved guest lists protect physical spaces, access control policies protect digital spaces.

Access control Vs Authorization

Authorization is the number of functions the user can perform or information the user has access to. It is where the access control system comes into play and serves its main purpose. Just like authentication, authorization is also a step of the process of the whole access control.

So, why is access control important in this goal? Security is the main reason why access control is important. Its aim is to protect a building and its occupants, data and assets by reducing the risk of unauthorized intrusion, while making access convenient for authorized users and approved visitors.

These access control permissions determine the rights users, groups, or organizations have for the objects. Access control permissions can be set by an administrator, another user, or the system. To view your permissions for an individual object, select Edit Access Control from the object's actions menu.

The 3 types of access control are Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) systems, Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) and Discretionary Access Control (DAC). Each of the three access control types can be leveraged to ensure that your property and data is secure.

Standard vs extended ACLs: There are two main categories of ACLs: standard ACL and extended ACL. The standard ACL does not differentiate between IP traffic; instead, it allows or blocks traffic based on the source IP address.

ACL is better suited for implementing security at the individual user level and for low-level data, while RBAC better serves a company-wide security system with an overseeing administrator. An ACL can, for example, grant write access to a specific file, but it cannot determine how a user might change the file.

What is the primary purpose of access control? ›

The main purpose of access control is to provide a secure environment. Physical access control systems regulate who can enter particular areas, buildings, or rooms. But it's not just about keeping unauthorized people out; it's also about managing and monitoring the flow of people and assets within controlled areas.

Access control systems play a vital role in mitigating internal threats by limiting access to sensitive areas and monitoring employee activities. By implementing role-based access control (RBAC) frameworks, organizations can assign access privileges based on job roles and responsibilities.

Access control keeps confidential information—such as customer data and intellectual property—from being stolen by bad actors or other unauthorized users. It also reduces the risk of data exfiltration by employees and keeps web-based threats at bay.

Access control is a fundamental component of data security that dictates who's allowed to access and use company information and resources. Through authentication and authorization, access control policies make sure users are who they say they are and that they have appropriate access to company data.

The high, centralized level of control that comes with Mandatory Access Control means that it is used often to deal with sensitive data that require a high level of security. For example, this includes organizations such as the military, government, politics, foreign trade, healthcare, and intelligence.

If authorization involves defining a policy, access control puts the policies to work. These two terms aren't interchangeable. But they do work hand in hand. Once you've completed the authorization process, the system knows who you are and what you should see.

Mobile access control is the process of leveraging technology to use in conjunction with access control systems. It enables people to use a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device to gain entry to a premises, facility, or system, without the need for a separate physical key or fob.

This article describes the different kinds of controls available in Access. Controls are the parts of a form or report that you use to enter, edit, or display data.

Definitions: The complete building or facility area under direct physical control within which unauthorized persons are denied unrestricted access and are either escorted by authorized personnel or are under continuous physical or electronic surveillance.

An access control list (ACL) contains rules that grant or deny access to certain digital environments. There are two types of ACLs: Filesystem ACLs━filter access to files and/or directories. Filesystem ACLs tell operating systems which users can access the system, and what privileges the users are allowed.