28 CFR 202.201: Access.

The term access means logical or physical access, including the ability to obtain, read, copy, decrypt, edit, divert, release, affect, alter the state of, or otherwise view or receive, in any form, including through information systems, information technology systems, cloud-computing platforms, networks, security systems, equipment, or software. For purposes of determining whether a transaction is a covered data transaction, access is determined without regard for the application or effect of any security requirements.