Information Rights Management (IRM): Enhanced Data Protection Beyond File System Controls

Restrictions Enforced by Information Rights Management (IRM)

Question

Which of the following is a restriction that can be enforced by information rights management (IRM) that is not possible for traditional file system controls?

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

D.

IRM allows an organization to control who can print a set of information.

This is not be possible under traditional file system controls, where if a user can read a file, they are able to print it as well.

Information rights management (IRM) is a security technology that enables the control of access and usage permissions of sensitive information. It is designed to protect intellectual property, confidential business data, and personal information from unauthorized access and misuse. IRM works by encrypting the information and attaching usage policies that control how the information can be accessed, modified, printed, and distributed.

Traditional file system controls, such as access control lists (ACLs) and permissions, are limited in their ability to control the use and distribution of sensitive information. These controls typically only restrict access to files based on user roles and permissions, but do not provide control over what users can do with the information once they have access to it. For example, a user who has permission to access a file can still print, modify, or distribute it without any restrictions.

In contrast, IRM provides more granular control over the usage of sensitive information by attaching usage policies to the encrypted files. These policies can restrict access, control modification, prevent printing, and even revoke access to the information remotely. The usage policies can be enforced regardless of where the information is stored, accessed, or transmitted.

Therefore, among the options given, the restriction that can be enforced by information rights management (IRM) that is not possible for traditional file system controls is the "Print" restriction (option D). Traditional file system controls do not provide the ability to control printing of sensitive information once access is granted, whereas IRM allows organizations to prevent printing or limit the number of prints to help prevent unauthorized dissemination of sensitive information.