Introduction to Access Control
Access control is the systematic approach of limiting access to resources or information, ensuring that only authorized individuals or entities can gain access. This encompasses physical assets such as buildings, rooms, and equipment, alongside digital resources like data files, computer networks, and software systems.
Access control systems typically involve using authentication mechanisms such as passwords, biometric scans, smart cards, or other forms of identification to verify the identity of individuals seeking access. Once an individual has been authenticated, the access control system can use authorization policies to determine what resources or information that individual is allowed to access.
Access control is a fundamental pillar of information security, a pivotal safeguard against unauthorized access to valuable data and resources. Moreover, it plays a critical role in aiding organizations in fulfilling regulatory compliance requirements.
Types of Access Control in Security
There are different types of access control in security:
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Mandatory Access Control (MAC): This strict access control model assigns a
security classification to each resource and user and then enforces rules that
restrict access based on these classifications. MAC is commonly used in
government and military settings where security is paramount.
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Discretionary Access Control (DAC): This model allows resource owners to define
and control access to their resources. In DAC, the resource owner can assign
access permissions to specific users or groups and modify or revoke those
permissions as needed.
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Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): This model assigns access permissions based on
predefined roles or job functions. Users are assigned roles that define the
level of access they have to resources, and the access control system
automatically enforces those permissions. This
approach effectively aligns access privileges with organizational needs and
security requirements.
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Rule-Based Access Control (RBAC): This model uses
rules defining access control decisions. Each rule specifies a condition and an
action. The system assesses these conditions to decide whether access should be
permitted or denied, effectively managing resource accessibility based on
predefined criteria.
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Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC): ABAC policies are
highly versatile and can be finely detailed, encompassing many attributes.
These attributes may include user roles, geographical location, device type,
and even specific time intervals, allowing for precise control and
customization of access permissions.
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Context-Based Access Control (CBAC): This model uses contextual information, such
as the user's location or the security posture of the user's device, to
determine access control decisions. CBAC policies are dynamic and can adapt to
user context changes.
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Risk-Adaptive Access Control (RAAC): This model uses risk assessment and risk
management techniques to determine access control decisions. RAAC policies
consider the level of risk associated with a particular access request and
adjust access permissions accordingly.
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Attribute-Based Based on History (ABBH): This model uses past behavior to determine
future access control decisions. ABBH policies consider the user's past access
patterns and adjust access permissions accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Access control holds
significant importance within the Certified Information Systems Security
Professional (CISSP) certification curriculum, serving multiple vital purposes.
These include safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of
both information and systems. It also ensures compliance with regulations and
standards, mitigates insider threats, and manages identity and access control
in information systems. If you want to learn more about access control, you can
join InfosecTrain’s CISSP
certification training course.
