Information Technology Specialist (ITS) Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Which term describes software that controls network access permissions related to user actions?

1. Firewall

2. VPN

3. Access Control List (ACL)

4. Antivirus software

The correct answer is: Access Control List (ACL)

The term that accurately describes software responsible for controlling network access permissions related to user actions is Access Control List (ACL). ACLs are fundamental components of network security that define who can access specific resources and what actions they can perform, such as reading or modifying the data. They operate by checking permissions associated with user accounts or groups before granting access to network resources. In contrast, firewalls primarily focus on monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. They act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks but do not specifically dictate user action permissions. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) provide a secure connection over the internet by encrypting the data transmitted between a user's device and the server, ensuring privacy and confidentiality, but they do not manage users' permissions regarding network resources. Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software from computers and networks, rather than controlling access permissions for users. Thus, ACLs distinctly serve the purpose of managing access permissions within network environments, making them the correct choice.