Theres a reason why you have locks and other security devices on your property.

You dont want intruders on your property because of their ulterior motives.

The same thing applies to computer systems and networks.

Young Woman Browsing on a Computer

If you dont secure your entry points, cybercriminals will take charge.

Access control helps you monitor your system’s entry points against cyberattacks.

How exactly does access control work, and what are its benefits?

Man Working on a Laptop

What Is Access Control?

Leaving your data open and accessible by all is a recipe for disaster.

Not only could it be altered, but it could also be stolen.

Network Data on Screen

Access control enables you to track users, verify their identity and determine their motives for accessing your data.

If your access control system suspects any foul play, it would prevent what would have been a cyberattack.

How Does Access Control Work?

Man Pointing at Laptop Screen

There are two major components of access controlauthentication and authorization.

If both credentials don’t match, the access control system blocks the user from gaining entry.

A user ID and password are basic information for authentication.

What Are the Benefits of Access Control?

The obvious benefit of access control is securing your system from unauthorized access and attacks.

In addition to this, access control enhances your system in the following specific ways:

1.

One cant be too careful when it comes to surfing the internet.

One mistake could aid attackers to find their way into your database.

Having well-grounded access control is a good defense mechanism when you make a security blunder.

It secures your systems entry points by allowing access to only credible users and devices.

With a surge of traffic to your site, it might be hard to differentiate malicious visitors from others.

An effective access control system enables you toblacklist certain URLs ahead of time.

That way, you dont have to worry about unauthorized access from suspicious traffic sources.

you might develop metrics for screening online grid traffic to detect malicious IP addresses and other traffic sources.

Facilitate Remote Access and Security

Remote work is the order of the day.

You want to be productive wherever you are without being constrained to a physical workstation.

Access control creates a secure environment for remote work.

You and other authorized users get to enter the system from different enabled devices and entry points.

Theres also accountability as you have a record of users and the areas they are accessing.

Promote Healthy Cyberculture

Access control creates awareness for a good cybersecurity culture and practice within your web link.

In implementing your access control framework, youll need to create policies guarding the use of your system.

Having rules and regulations for accessing your system enhances your cyber hygiene.

Such a heightened security awareness is essential because human error accounts for a high amount of data breaches.

Access control gives you the flexibility to work at your convenience.

If you are working with other people, you dont have to keep them waiting when you arent around.

The continuous workflow increases productivity and efficiency in the long run.

These regulations outline severe sanctions that are meted out on defaulters.

The security layers your access control system offers secure your database against theft and compromise by hackers.

If you expose your assets to cybercriminals, theyll be happy to milk it.

Setting up a strong access control system raises the security fences of your utility’s entry points.

Its easier to effect change from the inside than outside.

An effective rule of cybersecurity is to prevent unauthorized access in the first place.

If attackers penetrate your system, they stand a better chance to cause damage while inside.

Keep them outside where they should be with access control.