In terms of network security, what does the term "ACL" stand for?

The term "ACL" stands for Access Control List. In the context of network security, an Access Control List is a critical component used to define who or what has permission to access resources and what actions they can perform on those resources. ACLs are commonly used in routers and firewalls to filter and control incoming and outgoing traffic based on IP addresses, protocols, and port numbers.

When deploying networks, administrators can create rules within an ACL that dictate whether to allow or deny traffic based on specified criteria. This allows for fine-grained control over network access and enhances security by ensuring that only authorized users or devices can access certain parts of a network or specific resources.

For example, an ACL can prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data or restrict access to an internal network from external entities. This makes ACLs an essential tool in protecting network integrity and confidentiality, thereby playing a vital role in an organization's overall security policy.