What is a characteristic of centralized access control?

Centralized access control is characterized by the concentration of access decision-making and enforcement at a single point within the system. This means that all access requests to resources or information are managed by a central authority or mechanism, allowing for a more unified and consistent application of access policies and procedures. This central point can effectively manage user permissions, audit logs, and control access based on established security protocols.

Centralized access control enhances security management by reducing the complexity associated with managing access across numerous points, ensuring that all authorization decisions adhere to the same policies. Additionally, it simplifies oversight and reporting, as all access activities can be monitored from one location.

This approach contrasts with decentralized access control, where decision-making is distributed across various components or locations, leading to potential inconsistencies and challenges in policy enforcement. Centralized access control can also provide a higher level of security oversight, making it easier to respond to potential security incidents.

While centralized access control does not inherently require multiple approvals for access or limit itself solely to physical security, its core feature remains the focus on consolidating control into a singular authority for improved management and security.