Security features in Document Management Systems may include user authentication, encryption, and detailed permission settings. These mechanisms can help limit document access to authorized personnel and protect data from unauthorized exposure or alteration.

Compliance with legislation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union may affect DMS configurations, requiring that personal data be handled with care regarding storage, access, and retention. Organizations often employ DMS features to facilitate adherence to such regulations.
Audit trails and logging functions within a DMS may provide necessary documentation for regulatory inspections or internal audits. These logs typically record who accessed or modified a document and when, which can support accountability and forensic analysis if needed.
When deploying cloud-based DMS solutions, organizations often evaluate the data handling practices of service providers, including where data centers are located and what security certifications are held. Such considerations may influence decisions about system adoption or configuration to maintain compliance.