Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a security mechanism used to regulate access to resources in a system based on the roles assigned to users. Instead of assigning permissions directly to individual users, RBAC assigns permissions to specific roles, and users are then assigned to these roles based on their job functions.
Here’s how it works:
1. **Roles**: Define the responsibilities or duties in an organization. Each role is associated with a set of permissions.
- Example: Admin, Editor, Viewer.
2. **Permissions**: These are the access rights granted to a role, such as the ability to read, write, delete, or execute files or data.
- Example: The "Admin" role may have full access to all resources, while the "Viewer" role may only have read access.
3. **Users**: Individuals or systems that are assigned to one or more roles. A user gains the permissions associated with their assigned roles.
Benefits of RBAC:
- **Scalability**: Easier to manage permissions for large groups of users by assigning roles rather than individual permissions.
- **Security**: Limits access to resources based on need, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
- **Compliance**: Helps organizations maintain regulatory requirements by ensuring that access is controlled and auditable.
Example in a Company:
- An **Admin** can add or remove users, change permissions, and access sensitive data.
- An **Editor** can create and modify content but cannot delete other users or change system settings.
- A **Viewer** can only view content and cannot make any changes.
RBAC is commonly used in systems like content management systems (CMS), cloud platforms, and enterprise software.