What is Access control (physical security)?

Access control in physical security is the practice of granting or denying who may enter specific areas of a facility, using mechanisms such as locks, badges, credentials, and electronic systems.

NIST defines access control as the process of granting or denying specific requests to obtain and use information services and to enter specific physical facilities (for example, buildings or controlled entrances). In a physical context this is enforced by a physical access control system, an electronic system that controls the ability of people or vehicles to enter a protected area through authentication and authorization at access control points. NIST treats access control broadly, covering both physical entry and logical (IT) access, so physical access control is one application of the wider concept.

Defined from authoritative sources

This definition is drawn from the sources below, last verified 2026-06-23. How we verify.

1. NIST CSRC Glossary: access control verified 2026-06-23
2. NIST CSRC Glossary: physical access control system verified 2026-06-23

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