What does accountability in a system ensure?

Accountability in a system primarily ensures that only authorized users are accessing the system. This is crucial in the field of identity and access management, as it establishes a framework for tracking user actions and interactions with system resources. By implementing accountability measures, such as logging and monitoring user activity, organizations can confirm that users have appropriate access rights and are using the system within the scope of their privileges.

When accountability is maintained, it allows for a clear audit trail that can be reviewed in the event of irregularities or security incidents. This means that organizations can verify who accessed what, when, and how, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access and ensuring compliance with various regulatory requirements.

The other options do not align with the principles of accountability in identity and access management. For instance, having all users with the same access permissions does not promote accountability, as it does not differentiate between user roles and responsibilities. Likewise, claiming that access is never monitored contradicts the very essence of accountability. Finally, allowing users to change their access levels at any time undermines the control and oversight necessary for maintaining security within the system.