What is the primary goal of access control in information systems?

The primary goal of access control in information systems is to protect data from unauthorized access. Access control mechanisms are designed to ensure that only authorized individuals can view or manipulate sensitive information. This is crucial in the context of data security, particularly in fields like oncology where patient data must be safeguarded due to its confidential nature.

By implementing robust access control measures, organizations can define who has access to specific data, what actions they can perform, and under what circumstances. This helps in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data, thereby mitigating the risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized disclosures, which is of utmost importance in the healthcare domain.

While enhancing user experience, improving system performance, and streamlining data processing are important aspects of information systems, they do not capture the primary objective of access control. The fundamental concern is the protection of sensitive data against unauthorized access, making it a cornerstone of overall data security strategies.