Role-Based Access Control
Role-based access control (RBAC) is a security method that restricts system
access to authorised users based on their job roles, rather than individual user
permissions. By grouping permissions into roles (e.g., admin, user),
organisations can simplify access management, enforce the principle of least
privilege, and enhance security.
Key Components of RBAC
- Roles: Collections of permissions defining job functions (e.g., "Nurse", "Manager").
- Permissions: Specific rights to view, create, or modify data.
- Users: Individuals assigned one or more roles.
Core Principles
- Role-Based Assignment: Users are assigned roles, and permissions are attached to those roles, not the user directly.
- Least Privilege: Users receive only the minimum permissions necessary for their role.
- Separation of Duties (SoD): As described in IBM's research, SoD prevents conflicts of interest by requiring multiple people to complete high-risk tasks.
Benefits of RBAC
- Simplified Management: Reduces the overhead of managing permissions for thousands of users.
- Increased Security: According to the Cloudflare website, it limits unauthorized access and reduces the risk of data leaks.
- Compliance: Facilitates adherence to data protection regulations.