The purpose of access control in cybersecurity is to:

The purpose of access control in cybersecurity is fundamentally about safeguarding sensitive information by preventing unauthorized access. This is crucial for protecting both the integrity and confidentiality of data within an organization. Access control mechanisms ensure that only individuals with the appropriate credentials and permissions can view or manipulate sensitive information, thereby mitigating the risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized disclosures.

The emphasis on preventing unauthorized access is essential because cyber threats often exploit vulnerabilities in access control systems. By implementing robust access controls, organizations can better manage who can access certain pieces of information and under what circumstances. This ties directly into regulation compliance, protecting business interests and personal data, and maintaining customer trust.

While facilitating employee access and unrestricted access to data might seem beneficial in some contexts, they do not align with the primary intent of access control, which is to safeguard sensitive information from potential threats and misuse.