How are permissions related to actions on files?

Permissions play a crucial role in managing access to files by defining the specific actions that users or processes can perform on those files. By establishing permissions, organizations can control who can read, write, execute, or delete files. Each action associated with a permission allows for the system to enforce policies that align with organizational security requirements and user roles.

This model supports the principle of least privilege, where users are granted only those permissions necessary to perform their tasks, thereby minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or accidental data manipulation. By clearly outlining what actions are permissible, permissions help maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the primary function of permissions. Auditing actions pertains to monitoring and logging activities, which is a separate security control. Administrative privileges refer specifically to elevated permissions for managing system components, which is not a requirement of standard file permissions. Lastly, while permissions do restrict access to files, this aspect is a secondary effect rather than their primary function, which is to define specific allowable actions.