What do system access controls manage?

System access controls are essential mechanisms that determine who can access specific resources within a system and what actions those users can perform based on their permissions. These controls are closely tied to data sensitivity, as they ensure that users are granted access rights that align with the level of sensitivity of the information they might handle or view.

User permissions, categorized by roles or responsibilities, help protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. For example, in a healthcare setting, an administrator may have full access to patient records while a nurse only has access to the records they need for their patients. This structured approach to permissions helps maintain confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.

The other choices, while important to overall network security and operations, do not define the primary function of system access controls. Network traffic flows relate to the management of data packets moving through the network, physical access addresses security measures for buildings or facilities, and software installation pertains to the rules around deploying applications on devices. These areas may still involve access controls, but they do not directly manage user permissions in relation to data sensitivity, which is the core responsibility of system access controls.