File ownership refers to the concept of assigning a specific user or group the rights to access and manage a file within a computer system. The owner of a file typically has the ability to read, write, and execute the file, as well as modify its permissions for other users. This ensures that sensitive information is protected and only accessible to authorized individuals. In many operating systems, such as Windows and Linux, file ownership is an essential part of security and organization. Each file is associated with an owner, and permissions can be set to allow or restrict access for other users or groups. This helps maintain control over data and prevents unauthorized access.