What control mechanism defines authentication and authorization protocols for users?

Access controls serve as the key mechanism that defines authentication and authorization protocols for users. Authentication verifies the identity of a user attempting to access a system, ensuring that they are who they claim to be. Authorization then determines what an authenticated user is permitted to do within that system, specifying the resources they can access and the actions they can perform.

This process is vital for protecting sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of systems by ensuring that only legitimate users have the appropriate permissions. Access controls can encompass various methods including password policies, multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and rule-based permissions, all contributing to creating a secure environment where user interactions and data access are tightly regulated.

Other mechanisms, such as network security, firewalls, and encryption, serve different purposes. Network security focuses on protecting computer networks from intrusions and attacks. Firewalls act as a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks, controlling incoming and outgoing traffic. Encryption is about securing data by converting it into a form that is unreadable without a decryption key. While these elements contribute to an overall security strategy, they do not specifically define the protocols for authentication and authorization that access controls accomplish.