What is the purpose of access control in information security?

• A. To continuously monitor network traffic
• B. To grant or deny requests for information resources
• C. To encrypt sensitive user data
• D. To provide physical security to facilities

Answer: (B)

The purpose of access control in information security is fundamentally about managing who can view or use resources in a computing environment. By granting or denying requests for information resources, access control ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive data and functions, thereby protecting against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats. Access control mechanisms include authentication processes (such as passwords and biometrics) that verify user identities, as well as authorization protocols that determine what resources authenticated users can access.

While continuous monitoring of network traffic, encrypting sensitive user data, and providing physical security are essential elements of a comprehensive security strategy, they do not specifically define the primary role of access control. Access control focuses on permissions associated with users and their interactions with various information resources, making it a critical aspect of safeguarding data integrity and confidentiality in information systems.