What type of protection is essential to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data?

Access control is essential for preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data because it involves implementing specific policies and mechanisms that restrict access to information based on the user’s identity, their role within the organization, and predefined permissions. This ensures that only authorized personnel can view, modify, or manage sensitive data, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches.

Access control systems can include various methods such as user authentication (e.g., usernames and passwords, two-factor authentication), role-based access controls (RBAC), and permission settings that dictate who can access what data. By effectively managing these controls, organizations can ensure that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized users, thereby maintaining data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with regulations.

Exploring the other options: while encryption is critical for protecting data at rest and in transit, and auditing helps in monitoring and evaluating how data is accessed, they do not prevent access in and of themselves. Regular backups are vital for recovery purposes in case of data loss or corruption but do not directly impact access control. Thus, while all these elements play important roles in a comprehensive security strategy, access control is fundamental for preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.