Abstract: The method includes receiving a data file comprising a record; identifying a characteristic of the record; appending a characteristic marker to the record reflecting the characteristic; receiving a data request from a user; identifying a clearance identifier associated with the user, wherein the clearance identifier indicates whether the user has clearance to access the record based on the characteristic of the record; retrieving the record in response to the receiving the data request; comparing the characteristic marker of the record with the clearance identifier; and/or determining whether the user has clearance to access the record.