What is a primary purpose of implementing an access control list (ACL)?

The primary purpose of implementing an access control list (ACL) is to define permissions for users on resources. ACLs are utilized in various operating systems and network devices to specify which users or groups have access to certain resources, such as files, directories, and network services. They allow administrators to set granular permissions, specifying who can read, write, execute, or delete certain resources.

By establishing these lists, organizations can efficiently manage access rights and enforce security policies, ensuring that only authorized individuals have the appropriate level of access to sensitive data or critical operations. This helps protect data integrity and confidentiality, as well as mitigates the risk of unauthorized access or breaches.

While enforcing password policies, managing user roles, and monitoring user activities are important aspects of identity and access management, they are not the primary function of an ACL. Password policies relate to how users authenticate, user roles focus on categorizing users based on their job functions, and monitoring user activities involves tracking actions taken by users within the system to ensure compliance and security.