What is the purpose of "zones" in access control?

The purpose of "zones" in access control is to define specific areas with different security levels. In an access control system, zones are used to segment a facility into distinct areas that may have varying requirements for security and access permissions. By establishing zones, security personnel can enforce different levels of access based on the sensitivity of the area. For instance, a restricted research laboratory may have a higher security zone compared to a general office area, requiring additional authentication measures or limiting access to authorized personnel only.

This zoning approach allows for a more tailored security strategy, enabling organizations to protect sensitive information and assets while allowing appropriate access to others. Implementing zones can help mitigate risks by ensuring that only individuals with the necessary clearances can enter high-security areas.

The other options, while relevant to access control, serve different purposes. Tracking user movement relates more to surveillance and monitoring, programming security alarms focuses on alerting for unauthorized access, and managing hardware components deals with the physical devices used in the system, rather than the logical segmentation of access areas within the facility.