Which term refers to the mechanism that implements privileges but is managed by the DBA?

Which term refers to the mechanism that implements privileges but is managed by the DBA?

• A. Catalog
• B. Encryption
• C. Authorization Matrix
• D. Decryption Key

Answer: (C)

Rights and access in a database are enforced through an authorization mechanism controlled by the DBA. This is commonly represented as an authorization matrix: a structured table that maps principals (users or roles) to privileges (like SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE) on resources (tables, views, schemas). The DBA administers it by granting and revoking rights, often via GRANT/REVOKE or by assigning roles. This matrix makes who can do what explicit and governable, separate from the data itself. The catalog, while storing metadata about objects and their properties, isn’t the mechanism that enforces privileges. Encryption and decryption keys relate to protecting data confidentiality, not to managing who has access.

Rights and access in a database are enforced through an authorization mechanism controlled by the DBA. This is commonly represented as an authorization matrix: a structured table that maps principals (users or roles) to privileges (like SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE) on resources (tables, views, schemas). The DBA administers it by granting and revoking rights, often via GRANT/REVOKE or by assigning roles. This matrix makes who can do what explicit and governable, separate from the data itself. The catalog, while storing metadata about objects and their properties, isn’t the mechanism that enforces privileges. Encryption and decryption keys relate to protecting data confidentiality, not to managing who has access.