5 Access Control Models Explained: ABAC, DAC, RBAC, RuBAC, and MAC

Today, protecting sensitive information and managing who can access it is more critical than ever. The United States experienced a record-breaking 1,862 data breaches in 2021, marking a 68% increase from the previous year. This statistic underscores the growing importance of solid access control models. 

Whether you’re handling a small business network or a large enterprise system, having a reliable access control model in place is essential for securing data from unwanted access. But with different access control models available—each with its rules, benefits, and downsides—choosing a suitable one can be confusing. 

From attribute-based and discretionary systems to role-based and mandatory access controls, these methods can leave system owners and admins struggling to determine which method best suits their security requirements. 

That’s why understanding how access control models compare is vital for implementing a system that balances efficiency, usability, and security. This article covers the different access control models to help you pick the best approach for your organization.

What Are Access Control Models?

Access control models are frameworks that approve or deny access to specific resources, apps, and data within a company based on user identity and credentials. They decide the conditions under which a user can access certain resources and to what extent. 

Access control models help businesses confirm that users are who they claim to be and can only use what they are permitted to use. This way, confidential information remains confidential and security breaches are minimized.

How Does Access Control Work?

At its core, access control verifies a user’s identity and determines whether to grant access or not. Let’s look at the different stages of how it works.

1. Authentication

An access control system must first validate your credentials to ensure they are registered. For this to happen, you must present your credentials to the reader and wait for the system to verify your data. This process enables it to determine whether your credential is recognized or not. 

Research has shown that 81% of hacking-related breaches leveraged either stolen or weak passwords, reflecting the need for strong authentication methods.

2. Authorization

The next step is to find out if you’re a registered user and whether you are permitted to access the requested entry point. Reports indicate that 99 percent of cloud users, roles, services, and resources had excess privileges, greatly increasing the risk of data breaches. 

This emphasizes the consequences of inadequate access control management. Therefore, authorized access should be granted only where appropriate. But before authorizing you, the system must perform the following checks:

• That you are allowed to access the resource, access point, or data you requested.
• You’re using a registered type of credential, such as an access card, key fob, etc.
• Whether there are any preexisting security restrictions, such as a system lockdown.
• Your access request happens within a specified timeframe.

3. Access

After running the above checks, if you are authorized, the reader sends a signal instructing the door hardware to open the entryway. You will be granted access if approved, but if not, access will be denied.

Note: If the door opens, the system records the user who initiated the unlock.

4. Management

Effective access control is incomplete without ongoing management, activity tracking, alert or schedule setups, and constant user updates. For effective access control management, deploy software that syncs spontaneously with readers and controllers for quick updates.

5. Audit

An audit function enables admins to develop reports, and you’ll typically find this feature in many access control systems. With the reports generated, it’s easier for organizations to recognize anomalies, uphold compliance standards, and guarantee the system functions accurately.

5 Access Control Models and Methods

Access control models offer varying levels of flexibility, with some prioritizing user autonomy and others enforcing strict regulations. Let’s break down the five different access control models and their comparison.

Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)

Attribute-based access control model is also known as the policy-based access control model. It is a framework whereby access is granted according to the analyzed attributes or traits of the employee instead of solely their distinct role. 

The job roles, location or object category, and the desired actions are examples of these attributes. Access will be denied to any employee, who does not meet all these requirements. 

Discretionary Access Control (DAC)

This is one of the easiest access control models. Here, when an admin authorizes any user, that user can modify and distribute these privileges to other members of the company. This implies that the person can freely give the same permissions to anyone else at their own discretion once they have gained access to an area or computer system. 

This framework is simple, making it easier to issue users permissions. However, the major drawback is that this method can confuse the different users if they don’t communicate appropriately concerning who has and does not have access.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

As the name implies, role-based access control (otherwise called non-discretionary access control) gives access according to the role or position a user holds in the company. Suppose a user is categorized as a Product Manager, they will receive access authorization automatically from Product Managers within the system. 

One advantage of role-based access control is its ease of use. Plus, it operates based on the pre-defined roles an administrator sets for users. However, the drawback is this: an admin must approve or deny access (beyond their pre-defined role) if a user requests permission they don’t have. Depending on the actual configuration of the access control system, this may or may not be attainable.

Rule-Based Access Control (RuBAC)

The rule-based access control (RuBAC) model is a framework in which administrators and system owners establish rules and restrictions on permissions. For example, you can set restrictions for:

• A user to be in a specific area
• Denying access during specific hours of the day
• Restricting authorized access to the device used

The previous action taken, the necessary action, and the number of previous access endeavors can all determine authorizations. RuBAC works well for regulating access to certain areas and ensuring accountability. The best thing about this model is that rules and permissions are flexible and can be customized to suit several requirements and scenarios.

Mandatory Access Control (MAC)

Here, all access authorizations are made by one person who is authorized to approve or decline access, making it the most stringent access control model. It is typically used by companies with very sensitive and confidential data that require high-level security, such as financial institutions, military facilities, and government agencies. 

Additionally, the system’s parameters are programmed and cannot be manipulated, so an admin can only alter the system’s settings based on how it is programmed. Each user is labeled and categorized based on their permissions and can regulate entry, access, and exit permissions based on job title and security identifier.

Physical Access Control Vs. Logical Access Control Methods

Physical access control refers to the security measures used to limit access to a specified area, room, facility, or building. With this system, users can only enter protected areas using their credentials.

On the other hand, logical access control restricts who can access your computer networks, data, and systems. To guarantee that only permitted people access sensitive data, users must use credentials like multi-factor authentication, PIN codes, and smart cards.

Overall, many systems require both logical and physical credentials to authorize access, while physical spaces require only physical credentials. To establish a safe and effective environment, you must understand the distinct functions of logical and physical access control systems.

FAQs

Which is better, ABAC or RBAC?

Neither is inherently better than the other. However, the better choice depends on the exact requirements of the business and its access control needs. While ABAC provides more granularity and flexibility for larger, constantly changing environments, RBAC is easier for smaller, more stable companies with well-defined roles.

Which access control model is the most restrictive?

The most restrictive access control model is Mandatory Access Control (MAC), in which administrators control access, and users cannot edit permissions that approve or deny them access to various areas.

What access control model assigns permissions based on job roles and responsibilities?

Role-based access control (RBAC) is the access control model that assigns permissions based on job roles and responsibilities. It provides a straightforward, manageable method of managing access that is less susceptible to error than assigning separate privileges to users.

Conclusion

Selecting a suitable access control model does not have to be difficult. Understanding how each of them works is the first step to building a robust security infrastructure for your organization. 

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution—the best model involves aligning your desired framework with your business’s specific requirements, operational efficiency, and risk tolerance. As technology continues to advance and security threats become more complex, staying proactive and informed about different access control models is paramount. 

So, take the time to assess your current systems, consider the options presented in this article, and implement an access control system that keeps your organization compliant and secure.