What is an Access Control Matrix used for?

An Access Control Matrix is fundamentally a tool used for managing and modeling permissions within a system. It provides a clear and structured way to specify which subjects (such as users or processes) have access to which objects (such as files, directories, or resources) and the kind of operations they are allowed to perform on those objects.

Choosing the correct option highlights its primary purpose: checking if a subject has appropriate privileges. The matrix serves as a reference that can be queried to understand whether a user has the necessary rights to perform specific actions, such as read, write, or execute tasks. This capability is crucial for enforcing security policies and ensuring that only authorized individuals can perform sensitive operations, thus maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the system.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the primary function of an Access Control Matrix. Creating user accounts, defining security policies, and managing software licenses relate to broader aspects of identity and access management but do not reflect the specific role of the matrix in assessing permissions associated with users and resources.