Rule Based Access Control Model Best Practices

Rule Based Access Control Model

Organizations and Enterprises need Strategies for their IT security and that can be done through access control implementation. Access control is to restrict access to data by authentication and authorization.

It provides security to your company’s information and data. There are several types of access control and one can choose any of these according to the needs and level of security one wants. Some kinds are:

  1. Rule-Based Access Control
  2. Mandatory Access Control
  3. Role-based Access Control
  4. Discretionary Access Control
  5. Web-based Access Control
  6. IoT-Based Access Control

The one we are going to discuss in ‘Rule-Based Access Control’ and will provide you all the information about it including definition, Model, best practices, advantages, and disadvantages.

Rule-Based Access Control Definition

RBCA stands for Rule-Based Access Control is a set of rules provided by the administrator about the access of information to the resources. It allows someone to access the resource object based on the rules or commands set by a system administrator.

The owner has full-fledged control over the rules and can customize privileges to the user according to its requirements. One can define roles and then specific rules for a particular role.

More Security

Rule-Based access control can facilitate the enterprise with a high level of the management system if one sets a strict set of rules. This provides more security and compliance. It covers a broader scenario.

Rule-Based Access Control Example

There are several examples of rule-based access control and some of them are:

  • Allowing someone to use the network for some specific hours or days.
  • Permitting only specific IPs in the network.
  • Only specific users can access the data of the employers with specific credentials.
  • It only provides access when one uses a certain port.

There can be several other real-world examples that are already implemented and used in different organizations. These examples are interrelated and quite similar to role-based access control, but there is a difference between application and restriction.

Also, Checkout What is Network Level Authentication? 

Rule Based Access Control Model

Every access control model works on the almost same model and creates an Access control list, but the entries of the list are different. Rule-Based Access Control’s working principle simply follows these steps:

The enterprise will create an Access control list (ACL) and will add rules based on needs. These rules can be that “The user can open this file once a week”, “The user’s previous credential will expire after 3 days” or “the only computer with a specific IP address can access the information”.

  1. Connect the ACL to a resource object based on the rules.
  2. When one tries to access a resource object, it checks the rules in the ACL list.
  3. If a person meets the rules, it will allow the person to access the resource. Like if one can log in only once a week then it will check that the user is logging in the first time or he has logged in before as well.
  4. This is how the Rule-based access control model works. These are basic principles followed to implement the access control model.

 Role-Based Access Control Best Practices

Role-Based Access control works best for enterprises as they divide control based on the roles.

Consider a database and you have to give privileges to the employees. Now, you set the control as the person working in HR can access the personal information of other employees while others cannot, or only the technical team can edit the documentation and there are different conditions.

These applications can become better if one chooses the best practices and four practices are discussed below:

  1. Always Start with an RBAC Strategy

Before assigning roles, check out what is your policy, what you want to achieve, the security system, who should know what, and know the gap. Once you do this, then go for implementation.

  1. Managing Roles

Observe to whom you are going to assign the technical roles, application owner, or personal information owner. You should have policies or a set of rules to evaluate the roles. This will create a trustable and secure environment.

  1. Start with Less

If you are thinking to assign roles at once, then let you know it is not good practice. Start assigning roles gradually, like assign two roles first, then determine it and go for more.

  1. Take a Team with Yourself

Do not become a jack of all and hire an experienced team of business analysts that will gather exact information through interviewing IT staff and business owners. They will come up with a detailed report and will let you know about all scenarios.

Also Checkout Database Security Top 10 Ways

Rule-Based Access Control Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of RBCA

  • RBAC is simple and a best practice for you who want consistency. For example, the password complexity check that does your password is complex enough or not?
  • It is manageable, as you have to set rules about the resource object, and it will check whether the user is meeting the requirements?
  • Rule-based access control can also be a schedule-based system as you can have a detailed report that how rules are being followed and will observe the metrics.

Disadvantages of RBCA

  • It can create trouble for the user because of its unproductive and adjustable features.
  • This might be so simple that can be easy to be hacked.

Similarities and Differences Between Mac DAC and RBAC

  • MAC is Mandatory Access Control DAC is Discretionary Access Control and RBAC for Role-Based Access Control.
  • In MAC, the admin permits users. In DAC, the user gets permission based on its identity while in RBAC; the user gets permission based on roles provided by the admin.
  • DAC has an identification process, RBAC has an authentication process, and MAC has badges or passwords applied on a resource.

Conclusion

Access control systems are to improve the security levels. All have the same basic principle of implementation while all differ based on the permission.

Like if one has an assigned role then it is a role-based access control system, if one defines a rule then it is rule based access control, if the system depends on identity then it is a discretionary access control system.

Also Checkout Types of Authentication Methods in Network Security

Author

Allen

Allen is a tech expert focused on simplifying complex technology for everyday users. With expertise in computer hardware, networking, and software, he offers practical advice and detailed guides. His clear communication makes him a valuable resource for both tech enthusiasts and novices.

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