Discretionary Access Control Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Discretionary Access Control?

Discretionary Access Control (DAC) is a type of access control that allows users to have complete control over who has access to their files and other resources. It is based on the concept of user autonomy and users are allowed to decide which other users have permission to view, modify, or delete data or resources within their domain. The user-centric approach allows for more flexibility in terms of granting and revoking privileges as well as providing more granular control over access rights. In contrast to Mandatory Access Control (MAC), DAC allows for different levels of security depending on the individual user’s needs. Users can assign permissions based on roles, groups, or specific individuals, allowing them greater freedom in determining who has access to what data. This could be particularly useful in cases where certain information may need to remain confidential or restricted from certain personnel but available for others with appropriate clearance. Additionally, DAC makes it possible for administrators to customize security settings so that each user has only the exact level of access needed for their tasks without having any unnecessary privileges that could potentially be abused. Unlike MAC systems which rely on an external threat model and centralized authority figures like system admins, DAC provides users with much more autonomy over their own personal data. This can help reduce potential risks since all decisions regarding who can gain access are made by the individuals themselves rather than a single administrator making all decisions at once. Furthermore, this type of system enables organizations and businesses to prioritize privacy while still remaining compliant with laws such as HIPAA and GDPR which put restrictions on how data is handled and accessed by different parties. Overall, Discretionary Access Control offers users increased flexibility when it comes to managing security settings while still maintaining compliance with various laws related to privacy protection.