access control list

Abbreviated ACL. A list or table containing information about the users, processes, and objects that can access a specific file or object. ACLs are usually attached to file-system directories, and they specify access permissions such as read, write, execute, delete, and so on.

ACLs are implemented in Novell NetWare, Microsoft Windows 2000, and Unix:

• In Novell Directory Services, ACLs are associated with every object in the NDS tree, storing the list of rights for each trustee that can access the object.
• In the Unix Network File System, ACLs include the name of the user or group, along with the rights granted to that user or group.
• In Windows 2000, everything is an object, and every object has an associated ACL.

See also Active Directory; authentication; NDS tree; Novell Directory Services; rights; security.