capability (redirected from capabilities)

capability

In information security, an indicator (token, semaphore, etc.) that authorizes an access mode to an object such as a file or a device for a specific user or process. See also privilege.

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(operating system, security)

capability - An operating system security or access control model where specific types of access to a specific object are granted by giving a process this data structure or token. The token may be unforgeable (typically by using encryption or hardware "tagged" memory). Capabilities are used in OSes such as Hydra, KeyKOS, EROS, Chorus/Mix, and the Stanford V system. Similar to Kerberos, but in an OS context. Compare access control list.