What is Role Based Access (RBAC)?
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a security model that restricts system access based on a user's role within an organization. Instead of assigning permissions to individuals, access is grouped into roles, and users are assigned roles based on their job functions.
RBAC follows the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP), ensuring users only have the access they need—nothing more.
Why is RBAC Important?
✅ Enhances Security – Reduces the risk of data breaches and insider threats.
✅ Improves Compliance – Required for GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, NIST, etc.
✅ Reduces IT Workload – Simplifies user management by assigning permissions via roles.
✅ Minimizes Human Error – Prevents employees from accidentally accessing or modifying sensitive data.
✅ Supports Least Privilege – Ensures employees can only access what they need for their job.
How RBAC Works
🔹 Roles: Groups of permissions assigned to users based on their job functions (e.g., "HR Manager," "Finance Analyst," "IT Support").
🔹 Permissions: Define what actions a role can perform (e.g., "View Payroll Data," "Edit Customer Records," "Approve Purchases").
🔹 Users: Individuals are assigned to roles that match their job responsibilities.
🔹 Resources: The systems, files, or applications that users access based on their role.