The definition, types and benefits of access control (2024)

Access control security encompasses the tools and processes that restrict access to resources in an IT infrastructure. Access control systems define the rules and policies that ensure only authorized entities are allowed to access and perform operations on specific networks or applications.

Access control enforces both authentication and authorization policies to regulate access. Authentication verifies the identity of the user, whereas authorization determines whether the user has the privileges to interact with the asset they are trying to access.

For example, if an employee swipes their card to enter an office building, the access control system authenticates them by verifying the access card’s credentials. Once authenticated, the system authorizes the employee's access based on their role or clearance level. If the employee has the required privileges, the door will unlock, and they will be allowed to enter.

Access control is a crucial part of cybersecurity as it protects against unauthorized access, privilege escalation and potential breaches. By implementing robust access control policies, organizations can improve their overall security posture and reduce their attack surface.

There are several types of access control models, including:

1. Role-based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC systems assign permissions and privileges to users based on their rolesand responsibilities. For example, a software engineer may have access to thesource code repository, the CI/CD tool and the staging virtual machines. Onthe other hand, a production engineer may have exclusive access to theproduction virtual machines.

2. Rule-based Access Control (RuBAC)

RuBAC uses a set of predefined rules to control access to sensitiveinformation and applications. The rules contain different conditions that areevaluated to make access decisions. For example, an administrator could definea rule that allows only users from a specific department and with a specificdesignation to access an application.

3. Mandatory Access Control (MAC)

MAC tools determine access based on security labels assigned to both usersand resources. For example, if user X wants to perform some operations on anapplication Y, a MAC tool ensures that:

• The user’s access policy includes privileges to access and interactwith application Y.
• The application Y’s policy explicitly allows the user (or theirgroup) to access it and perform desired operations.

MAC policies significantly reduce the attack surface by preventingunauthorized operations, even when someone has access to an application.

4. Discretionary Access Control (DAC)

DAC is a flexible model that allows resource owners to determine who hasaccess to their resources. It's commonly used in file systems where ownerscontrol access to their files and folders. It’s worth noting that DACcan also introduce vulnerabilities, as access control decisions are made byindividual users who may not be aware of the overall security landscape.

5. Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Access Control Lists (ACLs) are another way to implement access control.ACLs are typically defined at the resource level. For example, you can definean ACL to restrict access to an S3 bucket on AWS. The ACLpolicy includes the name of the resource owner, along with details of otherusers who are allowed to interact with the bucket.

6. Attribute-based Access Control (ABAC)

ABAC systems make access decisions based on user attributes, such as jobtitle, department, location and time. For example, an administrator can useABAC to restrict access to a sensitive database to members of the "production"user group, only when they are connected to the office network.

To choose the right access control model for your organization, carefullyevaluate your security expectations and compliance needs. You may even choosea combination of different models if it makes sense. Several IAM solutions,including Access Management (AM), Privileged Access Management (PAM) andIdentity Governance and Administration (IGA) systems offer different ways toimplement fine-grained access control.

Access control systems offer several benefits, including:

a. Enhanced security

Access control acts as a resolute layer of security that protects assets,applications, data and networks from unauthorized access. It significantlyreduces the chances of data leaks, privilege escalation, malware and othersecurity incidents.

b. Increased operational efficiency

Access control systems offer a centralized dashboard to define and enforcesecurity controls across the entire infrastructure. This streamlines theprocess of granting and revoking privileges, freeing up administrative staffto focus on more productive tasks.

c. Addressed compliance requirements

Access control systems pave the path for compliance with differentregulations that mandate access controls, like HIPPA and PCI DSS. Moreover,access control goes hand in hand with Zero Trust, a requirement in severalsecurity frameworks.

d. Customized access

A good access control system enables administrators to tailor authenticationand authorization policies to match the organization’s specific needs.They enjoy fine-grained control over who can access what, and under whichcirc*mstances. This ensures adherence to the principle of least privilege,which decreases the overall attack surface of an organization.

e. Audit trails

Access control systems generate detailed audit trails and logs, which can beused to track access events. By tracking and monitoring access events,organizations can detect anomalous behavior, identify policy flaws and preventpotential breaches.

f. Integration with other tools

Access control systems can integrate seamlessly with other security tools toform a cohesive security stack. For example, they can be integrated with anIntrusion Detection System (IDS) to initiate an automatic system lockdown inthe event of a breach.