What does a file management system use to control permissions?

A file management system uses an Access Control List (ACL) to control permissions. An ACL specifies which users or system processes have access to certain files and what operations they can perform, such as reading, writing, or executing those files. This granular control helps maintain security and organization within the file system by ensuring that only authorized users can interact with specific files based on their predefined permissions.

The ACL operates on the principle of least privilege, where users receive only those permissions that are necessary for their role, thereby limiting the risk of unauthorized access. In environments with multiple users, this system is essential for protecting sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of data.

Other options, while related to data protection and authorization, do not serve the primary function of controlling permissions in a file management system. A User Permissions Table, for instance, might be a practical way to outline user privileges but does not directly manage access in the same systematic way as an ACL. File integrity monitors focus on tracking changes to files rather than controlling access, and Digital Rights Management is primarily about protecting content from unauthorized use rather than managing user permissions at a filesystem level.