What benefit does Active Directory provide for network security?

Active Directory plays a crucial role in network security by managing user access and permissions. This centralized directory service allows administrators to create and manage user accounts, groups, and their associated permissions easily. By assigning specific access levels based on roles within the organization, Active Directory ensures that users only have the permissions necessary to perform their job functions. This principle of least privilege minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data and resources, thus enhancing the overall security posture of the network.

In addition, Active Directory provides authentication services, allowing users to securely log in to their accounts and access network resources based on their assigned permissions. This process helps prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to the network, contributing to a more secure environment.

The other options, while relevant in their own contexts, do not specifically address the core security benefits provided by Active Directory. Data backup services focus on the preservation of data rather than access control. Physical network connections pertain to hardware and infrastructure, which is separate from user management. Data encryption is important for safeguarding data in transit but does not relate directly to how user access and permissions are managed within a network.