For cataloged clusters, a generic profile is used to verify access to the entire cluster, or any of its components. Discrete profiles for the individual components might exist, but only the cluster's profile (generic or discrete) is used to protect the components in the cluster.

Profiles that automatic data set protection (ADSP) processing defines during a data set define operation are cluster profiles only.

If a data set protected by a discrete profile is moved to a system where RACF is not installed, no user is given authority to access the data set.