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Access Control Lists

Access Control Lists are security mechanisms that define permissions for users and systems to interact with resources.

Description

Access Control Lists (ACLs) are a fundamental part of security management in systems involving Non-Human Identities (NHIs), such as automated processes, applications, or services that require specific permissions to access resources. An ACL is a list that specifies which users or systems (identified by their NHIs) have permission to perform operations on a given resource, such as files, databases, or network devices. Each entry in the ACL defines a subject (the NHI) and the associated permissions (read, write, execute, etc.). This allows for fine-grained control over resource access, ensuring that only authorized NHIs can interact with sensitive data or services. In modern systems, ACLs are often implemented within cloud environments and enterprise applications, where they can be dynamically updated to reflect changes in access requirements. Properly managing ACLs is critical to maintaining security and compliance, as it helps prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

Examples

  • An ACL on a file system that allows a specific application (NHI) to read and modify files while restricting other NHIs.
  • A network ACL that permits certain automated services to communicate with a database while blocking all other traffic.

Additional Information

  • ACLs can be applied at various levels, including file systems, network devices, and cloud services.
  • Managing ACLs effectively requires regular auditing and updates to ensure they reflect current security policies.

References