What does the term "access control" refer to?

The term "access control" specifically refers to measures that restrict access to classified information and facilities. This concept is crucial in the context of security, particularly for organizations that handle sensitive or classified information. Access control encompasses a variety of methods and techniques to ensure that only authorized individuals can access specific resources, which can include physical spaces, information systems, and sensitive data.

In the realm of security, especially within the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), ensuring that unauthorized personnel cannot gain access to classified materials is a primary objective. This is achieved through different strategies such as identification, authentication, and authorization processes that govern who can enter certain areas or view particular information.

While measures that increase surveillance effectiveness, enhance data encryption, or restrict access to unauthorized individuals are important aspects of security, they do not encapsulate the specific focus and definition of "access control" as it pertains to classified information and facilities. The emphasis on classified environments underscores the critical need to manage and safeguard sensitive resources against exploitation or compromise.