Which mechanism is used to restrict a list of possible actions down to only permitted actions?

The correct answer is Control. This term refers to a mechanism that defines and enforces specific actions that can be performed within a system. In the context of cloud security, controls are implemented to ensure that only permitted activities are allowed, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized or malicious actions.

Controls serve as the guidelines and rules that set boundaries on what users can do with the data and systems. By limiting the scope of possible actions, organizations can better protect their resources and ensure compliance with security policies.

Authentication refers to the process of verifying the identity of a user or system, while authorization follows by determining what an authenticated user is allowed to do. Monitoring typically involves observing and analyzing activities within a system to detect any anomalies or security breaches. While all these concepts contribute to a comprehensive security strategy, it is the control mechanism that specifically focuses on restricting actions to those that are explicitly allowed.