Access control is an important component of any security system. It’s designed to prevent those who aren’t authorized from gaining access to resources that may cause harm or damage. “Any company whose employees connect to the internet–in other words, every organization has to have access control,” says cybersecurity strategist Avi Chesla.

Access control systems are computer-based systems that can read credentials and take one or more triggered actions (unlocking the doors, notifying the staff on duty) according to the situation and the user. These systems typically have an interface on the network that connects to your security management platform for data exchange and control.

There are many types of access controls, but the one you choose will depend on the security requirements you have and the nature of the data you process. Companies that require high levels of security for their data tend to opt for more rigorous models, like MAC. The ones who prefer flexibility and role-based access permissions tend to prefer RBAC or DAC systems.

Another important factor to consider is ease of use. If your access control technology is difficult to use, it’s easy for employees to evade or misuse the technology–which could lead to security gaps and violations of compliance. It’s also essential to have strict monitoring and reporting in place to ensure that any changes in the way you run your business are immediately identified. You’ll from this source be unaware of security vulnerabilities and gaps if you don’t.