Which type of controls are used to manage data flow within interconnected systems?

Information flow enforcement mechanisms are specifically designed to regulate and manage the flow of data between interconnected systems. These mechanisms ensure that information is only shared according to established policies and guidelines, preventing unauthorized access and potential data breaches. This involves a variety of techniques that monitor, control, and restrict information transfer based on predefined security requirements.

In environments where systems are interconnected, such as in cloud computing or organizational networks, it is crucial to maintain control over how data is transmitted, received, and utilized. By implementing information flow enforcement mechanisms, organizations can effectively mitigate risks associated with data exfiltration or leaks, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure even as it moves across various platforms and applications.

The other options, while important in their own rights, do not specifically target the management of data flow. Physical security controls focus on protecting tangible resources, access control lists primarily determine who can access which data or systems, and data storage devices are simply means of storing information rather than controlling its flow. Thus, information flow enforcement mechanisms stand out as the correct choice for governing data movement between interconnected systems.