What is the primary purpose of access control lists (ACLs)?

The primary purpose of access control lists (ACLs) is to define permissions for users or groups on network resources. ACLs are a fundamental security feature used in computer systems and networks to specify who is allowed to access certain resources and what actions they are permitted to perform on those resources. By specifying these permissions in a structured list, ACLs help ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data or operational systems, thereby minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

Additionally, ACLs can apply to various types of resources, such as files, directories, or network devices. For instance, in a file system, an ACL might grant read, write, or execute permissions to specific users or groups, allowing precise control over who can do what with the files. In networking, ACLs can be used to control which IP addresses are allowed to access a particular device or service, further enhancing security.

While other options touch on aspects related to security or network management, they do not represent the core function of ACLs. Defining user roles pertains to access management but does not encompass the specific capability of ACLs to assign permissions directly. Encryption of data in transit serves a different purpose, focusing on protecting data integrity and confidentiality, while managing network traffic generally