In a discretionary access control (DAC) model, who is primarily responsible for determining access control?

In a discretionary access control (DAC) model, end users are primarily responsible for determining access control. This model allows resource owners, typically end users, to make decisions about who can access their resources. Users can grant or deny permissions to other users at their discretion, which gives them a level of control over their own data and resources.

This decentralized approach contrasts with more rigid models, such as mandatory access control (MAC), where access policies are enforced at a system level and cannot be modified by end users. In DAC, the flexibility empowers those who own or create data to manage its accessibility according to their personal judgment and needs. Such a model works well in environments where resource owners require autonomy and the ability to share information with specific individuals.

Other roles, like IT security officers, system administrators, or network engineers, typically focus on overarching policies, systems maintenance, or network infrastructure, but they do not have the same level of authority or responsibility for access control decisions as the end users in a DAC framework.