In the context of CMMC, what primarily defines 'logical access'?

The primary definition of 'logical access' in the context of CMMC pertains to the use of software mechanisms that control access to data and systems. Logical access involves the regulations and tools that determine who can access information, what information can be accessed, and how that access is managed through user identification, authentication, and authorization processes.

These software controls play a critical role in protecting sensitive information within an organization, as they establish permissions and restrictions based on user roles and security policies. This ensures that only those who are properly authorized can access or manipulate the data, thereby maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical information assets.

In contrast, other aspects such as physical security measures are more concerned with protecting the physical assets and environments where data is stored and processed, not necessarily the logical structures governing access to data. Similar distinctions apply to human oversight, which focuses on monitoring and administrative functions, and to monitoring equipment for vulnerabilities, which addresses the technology used to detect weaknesses but does not directly relate to the mechanisms that specifically control access.