Privileges in the context of computer security, are the concept of only allowing users to do certain things. For example, an ordinary user is typically prevented from changing operating system files, while a system administrator is typically permitted to do so, because this is part of maintaining a computer system. Maintaining user privilege is typically accomplished through the use of administrative accounts, file permissions and Access Control List (ACL).
Source: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/16044/privilege-security