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An access control system is a fundamental aspect of cybersecurity, granting and restricting access to different levels of users. Learn about access controls with courses delivered through edX.
What are access controls?
Access controls regulate who can access specific resources and how they can access them. These controls help protect sensitive data and reduce the likelihood of data breaches and other security incidents. Access controls include passwords, biometric authentication, multi-factor authentication, firewalls, user permissions, and encryption.
The process of access control can involve identification, authentication, and authorization of users. Identification establishes the identity of the user. Authentication verifies that the user is who they claim to be with the help of user credentials and other means of verification. Authorization determines a user's access rights to specific resources based on their identity and authentication status.
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Access control course curriculum
Basic knowledge of computer networks, operating systems, programming fundamentals, and cybersecurity can be helpful when learning about access controls. A beginner-level access control tutorial can cover concepts like:
Different types of access controls
Implementation of access control systems in an organization
Principles of access control like authentication and authorization
Best practices for access controls
Access levels based on attributes, roles, and rules
Use of access control to safeguard against data theft, corruption, and exfiltration
More intermediate and advanced courses may cover the importance of cloud-based access control technology and access control software like identity and access management solutions. You may practice how to set robust access control policies around systems. You can also learn about the challenges and drawbacks of access controls and how to address them.
edX offers a variety of educational opportunities for learners interested in studying this topic, as well as a host of other disciplines. A boot camp can provide flexible, hands-on learning for those who want to upskill quickly, while executive education courses are designed for busy professionals. You can also pursue a more comprehensive curriculum in a bachelor’s degree program or, for more advanced learners, a master’s degree program. Find the right learning path for you.
Explore access control jobs
Professionals with knowledge of how to effectively use access controls play a key role in all levels of security at an organization. Jobs that can benefit from this knowledge include:
Data engineer: Responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure that allows machines to use data. Among their tasks is ensuring the security of data in the databases, large-scale processing systems, and data pipelines that they create and manage.Footnote 1
IT security engineer: Designs, implements, and maintains security solutions and access control mechanisms to protect an organization's systems and data.Footnote 2
Cybersecurity analyst: Identifies and analyzes security threats and vulnerabilities, including those related to access controls, and develop strategies to protect against them.Footnote 3
DevOps database engineer: Develops and maintains the infrastructure and tools that support access control mechanisms and other security-related functions.Footnote 4
Web developer: Builds and maintains web-based access control solutions, authentication methods, and authorization systems.Footnote 5
Different access control jobs require different skill sets and levels of expertise, but all require a deep understanding of access control mechanisms. You may benefit from a cybersecurity boot camp that offers intensive modules with hands-on experience and focused education on industry-relevant tools and frameworks. Some of these roles may also need basic development skills that you can practice in a coding boot camp.
How to use access controls in your career
Access control is an evolving field, and organizations need skilled professionals who can help secure their information and mitigate the risk of data breaches. If you are in the tech field, additional duties may have you:
Design, implement, and oversee access control panels, systems, and policies.
Monitor and analyze access logs, user behavior, and activity history to detect and respond to security incidents.
Collaborate with other teams, such as IT and cybersecurity, to integrate access control mechanisms into broader security strategies.
Conduct risk assessments and audits to identify potential vulnerabilities and make recommendations to improve security posture.
Stay up-to-date on security trends and threats and adapt access control strategies accordingly.
It’s essential for professionals working on access control systems to have strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically. Continuous education can keep you informed about emerging technologies and cybersecurity threats.
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Access control FAQ
What are logical access controls?
Logical access controls refer to the use of software and other digital means to restrict access to sensitive information and systems. These measures can include passwords, two-factor authentication, access card readers, security tokens, encryption, and firewalls to protect against unauthorized access, modification, or data destruction. Millennium Access Controls, a cloud-based access control system, is an example of logical access controls.
What are physical access controls?
Physical access controls restrict physical access to sensitive information, systems, or assets with the help of hardware and environmental controls. These measures can be locks, access cards, or biometric scans, and they help protect against unauthorized entry, theft, or damage of physical assets.
What are the three types of access control?
The three types of access controls are discretionary access control (DAC), where only the owners of a particular system can grant control and access; role-based access control (RBAC), where individual users have access to systems and resources according to their roles so that they can perform their daily operations efficiently; and mandatory access control (MAC), where users get access based on clearance.Footnote 6
What are the five areas of access controls?
The five areas of access controls are identification, where you collect user information such as username and password or biometric identifier such as fingerprint; authentication where the user verifies their identity with credentials; authorization where users are allowed access based on roles and permissions; auditing where you record user activity; and reporting where you generate reports on user activity.Footnote 7
What are network access controls?
Network access controls help control and monitor access to a network with the help of intrusion prevention systems and firewalls. They safeguard sensitive information against data breaches and malware infections.
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