Mandatory Access Controls (MACs) require what for managing access?

Mandatory Access Controls (MACs) are a security model that enforces access policies based on the system-managed policy rather than individual user preferences or settings. In this model, access to resources is controlled by a set of predetermined rules established by the operating system or the security policy, and users cannot change these permissions on their own. This ensures a higher level of security because it constrains who can access certain information based on their classification level and the overall policy, independent of user actions.

For instance, in environments that utilize MACs, such as sensitive government or military systems, access to classified information is only granted to individuals with the appropriate security clearance. This emphasizes the importance of a system-managed policy that dictates access rights based on roles and classifications, rather than relying on user-defined permissions, which could lead to vulnerabilities due to human error or malicious intent.