An access group is a cybersecurity mechanism used in Identity & Access Management (IAM) that logically bundles users, applications, or devices requiring identical permissions to specific digital resources. Rather than assigning access rights individually to each entity, administrators grant permissions collectively to the group, which automatically extends those rights to all members. This approach dramatically improves administrative efficiency, reduces configuration errors, and strengthens security by enabling consistent application of the principle of least privilege.

Access groups serve as critical security controls across enterprise environments, managing access to resources ranging from network shares and databases to cloud services and critical infrastructure. Their implementation streamlines audit processes, ensures regulatory compliance, and provides scalable control over who can perform specific actions on organizational assets. By centralizing access management, these groups help organizations defend against unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and potential data breaches across complex technological landscapes.