Modern Access Control Strategies: Global Trends, Local Empirical Evidence and the Role of AI in Saudi Arabia

Access control stands as a key aspect of cybersecurity, ensuring that only authorized people can access sensitive resources in our increasingly interconnected digital world. This article explores the dual pillars of access control that includes, authentication, which verifies a user's identity through methods ranging from traditional passwords to advanced biometrics, and authorization, which defines the scope of permitted actions. Following a review of these techniques, we examine policy frameworks like role-based, identity-based, and attribute-based approaches, in addition to the foundational models like Mandatory Access Control (MAC) and Discretionary Access Control (DAC). A key focus is the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in identity and access management, where AI-driven tools enhance security through real-time threat detection and operational efficiency via adaptive policies. Drawing on global trends and local evidence from Saudi Arabia, this paper tackles practical challenges, such as securing sprawling systems and bridging legacy infrastructure with cutting-edge solutions, supported by real-world examples of successful implementations. Notably, technology alone is not enough, since effective protection hinges on robust administrative oversight, ongoing training, and a pervasive security culture. Blending technical depth with human-centric insights, this analysis offers a forward-looking blueprint for access control in a dynamic digital era.