What type of access control allows a file owner to manage access based on an access control list?

Discretionary Access Control (DAC) is characterized by its provision that file owners have the authority to set access permissions for their resources. In a DAC model, owners can create an access control list (ACL) that specifies which users or groups of users have the rights to access or modify a file. This means that the decisions about who can access certain resources are made at the discretion of the resource owner rather than being enforced by an overarching policy.

In DAC systems, since the owner decides who can do what with their files, it allows for flexibility and personalization in access control. The access control lists are typically used to identify specific users or groups who have certain privileges regarding the files. Therefore, the owner can easily add or revoke access as needed, reflecting real-time changes in requirements or relationships.

In contrast, the other types of access control do not permit such individual discretion. Mandatory Access Control (MAC) is based on fixed policies set by a system administrator where users cannot change access rights. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) focuses on roles rather than individual file ownership, assigning access based on the user’s role within an organization. Rule-Based Access Control involves policies defined by a security administrator that determine access based on certain criteria but doesn't include individual discretion by