What are access control systems designed to do?

Access control systems are primarily designed to control who or what has access to a network, system, or resource. This involves defining permissions and roles for users, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information or critical systems. By implementing access control, organizations can protect their data from unauthorized access, ensuring both confidentiality and integrity.

Access control mechanisms can come in various forms, including role-based access control (RBAC), discretionary access control (DAC), and mandatory access control (MAC). Each of these approaches helps delineate permissions and responsibilities, strengthening an organization's security posture.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of access control systems. While enhancing user experience and facilitating communication can be byproducts of a well-implemented access control system, they are not the main focus. The core function is to enforce restrictions based on established policies regarding who can access specific resources. Similarly, facilitating social media usage does not align with the security objectives of access control systems, which are centered around protecting sensitive data and ensuring that only authorized individuals can gain access to particular information or functionalities.