Glossary of terms

Access Control List (ACL)

ACL, which stands for Access Control List, is a fundamental security mechanism used in computer systems and networks to regulate access to resources. Here’s a definition, main features, and scope of ACLs:

Definition

An Access Control List (ACL) is a list of rules or entries that specify the permissions granted or denied for particular subjects (users, processes, or systems) to access specific objects or resources (files, directories, network resources, etc.).

Main Features:

1. Subject Identification: ACLs identify the subjects (users, groups, or processes) to which the access rules apply.

2. Object Specification: ACLs specify the resources or objects (files, directories, network interfaces, etc.) to which access is controlled.

3. Access Permissions: ACLs define the types of access permissions granted or denied for each subject-object pair. Common permissions include read, write, execute, and delete.

4. Rule Ordering: ACLs typically evaluate rules in a specific order, with the first matching rule determining the access decision.

5. Inheritance: In some systems, ACLs can inherit permissions from parent objects, simplifying administration.

6. Auditing and Logging: Many ACL implementations provide mechanisms for auditing and logging access attempts, aiding in security monitoring and incident response.

Scope of ACLs:

1. File System Access Control: ACLs are widely used in operating systems to control access to files and directories. They determine which users or groups can read, write, execute, or delete specific files and folders.

2. Network Access Control: In networking environments, ACLs are used to control access to network resources, such as routers, switches, and firewalls. They can filter traffic based on source and destination IP addresses, protocols, and ports, allowing or denying specific network communications.

3. Database Access Control: In database management systems, ACLs are used to control access to tables, views, and other database objects. They determine which users or roles can perform operations like select, insert, update, or delete data.

4. Application Access Control: Many applications implement their own ACL mechanisms to control access to application features, data, or functionality based on user roles or permissions.

5. Cloud and Virtualization Access Control: In cloud and virtualized environments, ACLs are used to control access to virtual machines, storage volumes, and other cloud resources, ensuring secure multi-tenancy and resource isolation.

ACLs are a fundamental component of access control and security in various computing environments, providing granular control over who can access what resources and perform specific actions. They help ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability by enforcing least privilege principles and restricting unauthorized access.

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