What method is used to restrict access to specific content items in Sitecore?

The correct approach to restrict access to specific content items in Sitecore is by setting access rights on items. This method allows administrators to define what users or user groups can see or interact with specific pieces of content within the Sitecore content tree. By tailoring these access rights, administrators can ensure that sensitive information is protected and only accessible to authorized users.

Setting access rights is fundamental in managing security at item level, enabling precise control over who can read, write, or delete content. This capability is essential for organizations that require strict regulation of content management processes based on user roles or responsibilities.

While the other options have their own importance in context to content management, they do not directly provide the same level of item-specific access control as setting access rights does. For example, creating content workflows helps in managing the lifecycle of content but does not inherently control visibility or permissions for users trying to access that content. Similarly, a custom user role system might define broader permissions but would still rely on access rights settings to enforce those permissions at the item level. Defining user profiles helps in user categorization but is not a method for restricting access to specific content items directly.