What is meant by "access control" in security management?

Access control in security management refers to a process that regulates who can enter or use certain areas or systems. It is a fundamental concept in both physical and information security, designed to protect resources by ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive areas, information, or systems.

This control mechanism typically involves the identification and authentication of personnel, as well as the authorization of access rights. By implementing access control measures, organizations can safeguard their assets, prevent unauthorized access, and minimize the risk of data breaches, theft, or other security incidents.

While online activity restriction, handling grievances, and measuring security effectiveness are all important aspects of security management and organizational policy, they do not encapsulate the specific function of access control, which is to manage and oversee who has permission to enter or utilize various resources within an organization.