What is the role of file permissions in information security?

File permissions play a crucial role in information security by controlling user access to files. This mechanism allows system administrators to define which users or groups have permission to read, write, or execute specific files and directories on a system. By restricting access to sensitive information, file permissions help protect data from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion.

When file permissions are properly configured, they help ensure that only authorized individuals can access or modify critical files, thereby mitigating risks associated with data breaches or unauthorized data manipulation. This aspect of security is fundamental in maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information within any IT environment.

The other choices do not relate directly to the primary function of file permissions in information security. Tracking network performance metrics focuses on assessing the efficiency and reliability of network operations rather than managing file access. Data encryption is a method used to secure data by converting it into a format that cannot be read without the appropriate decryption key, which is separate from file permission settings. High-speed data transfers pertain to the efficiency of data movement across networks and do not involve user access control. Thus, controlling user access to files is the fundamental purpose of file permissions in ensuring information security.