What is an Access Control Entry (ACE)?

An Access Control Entry (ACE) is fundamentally understood as a single entry in an Access Control List (ACL). An ACE defines the permissions or access rights that a particular user or group has to a specific resource, such as files, folders, or network objects. It specifies whether a user can perform actions like reading, writing, or executing the resource in question.

Access Control Lists consist of multiple ACEs that collectively determine the access permissions for different users or groups concerning a resource. Each ACE plays a crucial role in refining access control, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter or interact with the resource in a specific manner.

In cybersecurity, managing these entries effectively is vital, as improper configurations can lead to unauthorized access or vulnerabilities within a system. Hence, the correct identification of an ACE as an entry in an ACL helps reinforce foundational knowledge regarding permission management and data security.