What does the term "access control" refer to?

The term "access control" refers specifically to the regulation of who can enter or exit a facility or area. This concept is essential for maintaining security in various environments, such as offices, warehouses, or public buildings. Access control measures ensure that only authorized individuals can gain entry, helping to protect sensitive information, assets, and the safety of occupants.

Effective access control often involves a combination of physical measures (like locks and security doors), technological solutions (such as key cards or biometric systems), and policy enforcement (including visitor logs and employee identification protocols). By implementing these systems, organizations can prevent unauthorized access, mitigate potential security breaches, and maintain a controlled environment.

The other choices touch on aspects related to access, but they do not encompass the full scope of what access control entails. For instance, managing expected visitors and reviewing employee performance may be part of broader security or operational procedures, but they do not specifically define access control in the same way that regulating entry and exit does.