CompTIA CySA+ Practice Test

What is the main purpose of an Access Control List (ACL) in a network security context?

1. To monitor data flow and report anomalies

2. To define which users or systems have access to network resources

3. To provide a backup for network configurations

4. To facilitate cloud storage solutions

The correct answer is: To define which users or systems have access to network resources

The main purpose of an Access Control List (ACL) in a network security context is to define which users or systems have access to network resources. ACLs are vital in managing permissions and access rights, allowing network administrators to specify which entities can use specific resources or services. They play a critical role in enforcing security policies by regulating access to sensitive data and system functionalities based on pre-defined criteria. When an ACL is properly configured, it enhances the security of a network by ensuring that only authorized users or systems can interact with certain resources, ultimately helping to prevent unauthorized access and potential security breaches. This capability is crucial for enforcing the principle of least privilege, ensuring users have only the minimum access necessary to perform their tasks. The other options, while they relate to various aspects of network security and management, do not encompass the fundamental function of ACLs. Monitoring data flow and reporting anomalies pertains more to intrusion detection and monitoring systems rather than access control. Backup provisioning is a concern of data protection and recovery strategies, independent of access privileges. Facilitating cloud storage solutions relates more to storage architecture and access methodologies rather than the granular control of access rights, which is the core focus of ACLs.