What are the various types of access controls?

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Managing app access levels carefully is important because not all employees need full access to do their jobs effectively. Still, are you worried about your employees having too much control over SaaS apps?

The concern is significant if your organization lacks proper access control policies and monitoring. Without effective onboarding and offboarding processes, employees might have undue access to SaaS apps, leading to organizational challenges.

Insufficient controls may result in data misuse, jeopardizing security and privacy. Excessive access also increases the risk of unintentional changes to data, which can cause errors or confusion. Thus, you must enable proper access control to safeguard your organization's data.

Once you understand the various types of access control, you can create an efficient security plan. This article provides insights into different types of access control methods that can be valuable for implementing effective access controls in your organization.

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What are access controls?

Access controls are security measures that decide who can access resources or take actions in a computer system or network.

They ensure that only authorized users or entities can access specific resources or perform certain actions, safeguarding data, systems, and networks from unauthorized access, misuse, and breaches.

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What are the types of access control in security?

Different types of access control exist to enhance security. Understanding different types of access control mechanisms can help protect your organization’s sensitive data and resources.

1. Discretionary access control (DAC)

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It is a type of access control model in which the resource owner determines who can access the resource and what permissions they have. The owner sets the permissions, typically allowing actions like read, write, execute, or delete.

Access Control Lists (ACLs) are commonly used in DAC, detailing specific access permissions for each user or group associated with the resource.

How does DAC work?

Access Authorization: The resource owner sets initial access permissions and can modify them.

Access Control Lists (ACL): Each resource has an ACL listing authorized users or groups with specific permissions (e.g., read, write, execute).

Access Request: When a user requests access, the system checks the resource's ACL to verify if the requested access is permitted based on the user's identity and permissions.

Access decision: Access is granted if the user's identity is listed in the ACL and the requested access is permitted according to the permissions specified. Otherwise, access is denied.

What are the Advantages of DAC?

• Owners can adjust access permissions easily.
• Easy to implement and understand.
• Allows detailed permissions for users or groups.

What are the Disadvantages of DAC?

• This may lead to inconsistent permissions.
• Poor decisions can create vulnerabilities.
• Difficult to handle in large systems.

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2. Mandatory access control (MAC)

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It is a type of access control model where access permissions are determined by a central authority based on security policies defined by the system or organization.

Unlike DAC, where resource owners decide access rights, MAC imposes strict access rules that individual users cannot change.

How does MAC Work?

Security labels: Each user and resource in a MAC system is assigned a security label based on the system's security policy. These labels show how sensitive or classified the user and resource are.

Access decision: When a user tries to access a resource, the system checks if the user's security label matches or exceeds the required security level. Access is allowed only if the conditions are met.

No user discretion: Unlike DAC, where resource owners can grant access rights based on discretion, users in a MAC system cannot modify access permissions. Access is determined solely by the security policies defined by the central authority.

Advantages of MAC

• Centralized control reduces unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Policies uniformly protect sensitive resources.
• Limits access based on clearance levels.

Disadvantages of MAC

• Implementation and management are intricate.
• Policies may not adapt to dynamic needs.
• It requires significant effort to manage and maintain.

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3. Role-based access control (RBAC)

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RBAC is one of the best types of access control model, in which permissions are based on user roles in the organization. Users are assigned roles that match their job responsibilities, and each role has specific permissions for tasks related to that role.

How does RBAC Work?

Role definition: Organizations create roles based on job functions, such as "Manager," "Sales Representative," or "Administrator."

Role assignment: Users are assigned roles based on their job responsibilities. Some users may have multiple roles if their tasks require different permissions.

Permission assignment: Each role is assigned specific permissions, determining what actions users can take and which resources they can access.

Access control: When users want to access a resource, the system checks if their role has the necessary permissions. Access is granted if the user's role matches the required permissions for that resource.

Advantages of RBAC

• Simplifies access management by associating permissions with roles.
• Scales effectively across organizations of all sizes.
• Promotes consistent application of access control policies.

Disadvantages of RBAC

• Complex role management, especially in large organizations.
• Risk of role proliferation leading to increased complexity.
• Limited flexibility for organizations with diverse access needs.

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4. Attribute-based access control (ABAC)

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It is a type of access control model that makes decisions based on user, resource, and environmental attributes. It evaluates attributes like user roles, resource sensitivity, and conditions such as time and location to decide whether access should be allowed or denied.

How does ABAC Work?

Attributes definition: Organizations define attributes describing users (e.g., role, clearance level), resources (e.g., sensitivity level, classification), and environmental conditions (e.g., time, location).

Policy definition: Access control policies are created based on combinations of attributes. These policies establish rules such as "Users with role = Manager can access resources tagged with sensitivity level = Confidential."

Evaluation engine: When a user requests resource access, the ABAC system assesses the user's attributes, the resource attributes, and current environmental conditions against defined policies.

Access decision: Using the evaluated attributes and policies, the ABAC system dynamically decides whether to grant, deny, or restrict access to the resource.

Advantages of ABAC

• Enables fine-grained access control based on attributes.
• Offers flexibility to adapt policies dynamically.
• Scales effectively across diverse organizational needs.

Disadvantages of ABAC

• Complexity in policy implementation and management.
• Potential resource-intensive evaluations.
• Requires ongoing effort for policy maintenance and updates.

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5. Rule-based access control (RBAC)

In rule-based access control (RBAC), access decisions rely on rules set by a central authority. These rules define conditions for allowing or denying resource access, often using if-then statements or policies based on specific criteria.

How Does Rule-Based Access Control Work?

Rule definition: Administrators define access control rules based on organizational policies and security requirements. Rules specify conditions under which access is granted, denied, or restricted.

Evaluation criteria: When a user requests access to a resource, the RBAC system evaluates the request against the defined rules. The system considers the user's identity, role, permissions, and any additional attributes or conditions specified in the regulations.

Decision making: The RBAC system makes an access decision based on evaluating the access request against the rules. If the conditions specified in the rules are met, access is granted; otherwise, access is denied.

Advantages of RBAC

• Enables granular control through specific access rules.
• Flexible for adapting to security policies and organizational needs.
• Centralized management ensures consistency and facilitates auditing.

Disadvantages of RBAC

• Complexity in managing and avoiding rule conflicts.
• Scalability challenges with a growing number of rules.
• Risks of over-permissioning if rules are not well-defined.

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6. Time-based access control (TBAC)

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This type of access control model enables organizations to implement access policies that vary according to the day, week, month, or year.

TBAC rules consider temporal factors such as current time, day, month, year, or specific dates, automating access management for reliable and efficient control.

How does Time-Based Access Control Work?

Rule definition: Administrators create time-based access rules dictating when users can access specific resources. Rules may specify time intervals (e.g., 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM), days of the week (e.g., weekdays), or recurring schedules (e.g., monthly access windows).

Access evaluation: When a user requests resource access, the TBAC system checks the current time and date against the defined access rules.

Access decision: Based on this evaluation, the TBAC system either allows or denies access to the resource. Access permissions may automatically change when the specified time-based conditions are met or expire.

Advantages of TBAC

• Enhances security by enforcing policies based on specific time criteria.
• Increases operational efficiency through automated access management.
• Supports compliance with regulatory requirements for restricted access.

Disadvantages of TBAC

• Complexity in managing and coordinating rules across systems.
• Potential for overly restrictive policies disrupting workflows.
• Risk of inaccuracies due to system clock issues affecting reliability.

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7. Contextual access control (CAC)

It is an advanced type of access control model that considers various contextual factors beyond traditional parameters like user identity and role.

To make access decisions, CAC considers dynamic variables such as location, device type, network environment, behavior patterns, and other real-time conditions.

How does Contextual Access Control Work?

Contextual attributes: Organizations define various contextual attributes or parameters influencing access decisions. These attributes may be predefined (e.g., location, time) or dynamically assessed in real time (e.g., device health status, user activity patterns).

Continuous monitoring: CAC systems continuously monitor and collect contextual data from various sources, such as user devices, network infrastructure, and security logs.

Policy evaluation: Access control policies in CAC specify rules or conditions based on contextual attributes. Policies define permissible access scenarios, considering the current context and associated risk levels.

Adaptive access control: The CAC system dynamically adjusts access permissions based on the evaluation of contextual attributes and policy rules. Access may be granted, denied, or restricted based on the alignment between the current context and predefined policy criteria.

Advantages of CAC

• Enhances security by considering real-time contextual factors.
• Dynamically adapts access controls to changing conditions.
• Improves user experience with seamless authentication based on context.

Disadvantages of CAC

• Complex implementation and management.
• Requires significant computational resources.
• Raises privacy concerns with sensitive data collection.

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Key differences between the various access control models

Each type of access control model has its strengths and challenges. Organizations can adopt one or a mix based on security needs, operational requirements, and regulatory compliance. Choosing the right model(s) involves evaluating scalability, complexity, flexibility, and control over access to sensitive resources.

Here's a table summarizing the different access control models:

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How to streamline access control with CloudEagle?

CloudEagle is a SaaS management and procurement platform that helps organizations discover, manage, govern, and renew SaaS apps. The tool also streamlines access control, ensuring prompt and secure user access management across cloud environments.

Here’s how CloudEagle enhances access control through auto-provisioning rules, deprovisioning workflows, and self-service application access requests:

Auto-Provisioning Rules for Prompt Access

CloudEagle offers auto-provisioning rules that automate granting access to cloud resources based on predefined criteria. You can set up onboarding workflows to assign SaaS access to new users. It ensures they quickly receive the necessary tools and permissions.

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Users gain swift access by leveraging auto-provisioning as CloudEagle automatically provisions permissions based on roles, attributes, or other conditions. This ensures consistent access rights across the organization. It also reduces manual errors and administrative overhead.

Deprovisioning Workflows to Prevent Unauthorized Access

CloudEagle features deprovisioning workflows designed to revoke access promptly when users no longer need it. Benefits include automatically removing access privileges during employee offboarding or role changes, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

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These workflows ensure compliance with regulatory requirements by promptly deprovisioning access, minimizing potential security breaches.

CloudEagle also maintains audit trails of access changes, enhancing visibility and accountability in access management practices.

App Access Request with Self-Service Catalog

CloudEagle offers a user-friendly self-service catalog. It helps users request access to applications and resources. Employees can easily submit access requests without manual steps. The platform automates approvals, ensuring quick reviews and efficient access provisioning.

This automation saves time and boosts governance by showing who requested access and when approvals were given. The tool helps organizations comply with policies and regulations by streamlining these processes while enhancing overall access management.

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Conclusion

Ensuring your employees access SaaS tools properly is crucial for effective task performance. Promptly address any challenges in correctly assigning SaaS access.

When onboarding new employees, ensure SaaS access is properly assigned to them. Additionally, promptly revoke access when employees leave the organization.

Among the many available types of access controls, you must establish proper access control and SaaS management policies within your organization. An access management tool can automate onboarding and offboarding workflows.

You can consider CloudEagle for this task. This tool is valuable for transforming your organization's access control with auto-provisioning, deprovisioning workflows, and self-service app access requests.

Schedule a demo to learn how CloudEagle can improve your organization's access control mechanisms, enhancing security and operational efficiency.

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