What is access control in the field of cybersecurity?

Access control in cybersecurity refers to the mechanisms and policies that manage who is permitted to access and use information and resources within a computer system or network. The focus is on protecting sensitive data and ensuring that only authorized individuals can interact with specific resources.

The correct choice highlights the crucial role of restrictions, emphasizing that access control only permits authorized users to gain access to certain resources while keeping unauthorized individuals out. This enforcement is essential for maintaining data integrity, confidentiality, and overall security within a system.

In contrast, unrestricted access to resources undermines the fundamental principles of cybersecurity by exposing sensitive data to potential threats. Remote access settings, while part of access control considerations, do not encompass the full breadth of what access control intends to achieve. Additionally, automated password-changing programs might assist in security management but are not the core function of access control itself. Thus, the emphasis on authorization in the correct answer aligns with the primary goal of access control within the cybersecurity framework.