What does authorization determine in an access control model?

Authorization in an access control model specifically refers to the process of granting or denying access rights to users based on their authentication status and associated permissions. It dictates what resources and activities a user is allowed to engage with after their identity has been verified. This includes determining which data a user can view or manipulate, which systems they can access, and what actions they are permitted to perform within those systems.

By focusing on permission levels associated with roles and responsibilities, authorization ensures that users have access only to the information necessary for their work while supporting the principles of least privilege and need-to-know. This is critical in protecting sensitive information and maintaining overall security in an organization.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of data management and security:

• Classification of data as confidential relates to data categorization and handling practices rather than user permissions.

• Security policies are overarching rules and guidelines that govern behavior and technology usage, but they do not specifically define user access rights.

• Determining necessary hardware for access is related to the infrastructure required for user connectivity or authentication rather than the permissions granted to individuals once they are connected.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective security management and ensuring that access control measures are appropriately implemented within an organization.