What is Role-Based Access Control?

Role-Based Access Control in Identity Governance and Administration

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a model within an Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) system that helps restrict users’ access to resources based on the roles assigned to them within an organization. Rather than assigning permissions to individual users, permissions are grouped by role, and users are assigned to roles that determine what actions they can perform and which resources they can access within an IT infrastructure.

The essence of effective RBAC is the ability to enable people to use only the resources necessary to perform their roles, whether that is based on their department, seniority, title, and so forth.

RBAC rules can be defined in many ways, including RBAC models based on responsibility, authority, or even competency. Under the role-based access control definition, non-IT team members may not have access to sensitive data as it is not necessary for them to perform their jobs but based on seniority, they may require slightly more than more junior members. Closely monitoring network access is a challenge, but by using RBAC, organizations can secure sensitive data and tightly control access to essential applications.

Types of RBAC

There are several types of RBAC models designed to fit different organizational needs. Understanding these can help organizations choose the right model to enhance their access control systems:

Flat RBAC

This simple RBAC model assigns users roles directly, with no hierarchy or inheritance conditions between roles.

Hierarchical RBAC

In this model, roles are organized in a hierarchy, where higher-level roles inherit the permissions of lower-level roles.

Constrained RBAC

This model adds restrictions like segregation of duties (SoD), ensuring that conflicting roles or permissions are kept separate.

Dynamic RBAC

Access is adjusted based on context, such as location, time, or user behavior, providing more flexibility in real-time scenarios.

Attribute-Based RBAC

This model assigns roles based on user attributes, such as department or location.

Task-Based RBAC

Assigns roles based on specific tasks or workflows rather than static roles, allowing for more granular access control.

By using these models, organizations can align their access management strategies with their operational needs, improving both security and operational efficiency.

The NIST Role-Based Access Control Model

The NIST Role-Based Access Control Model is a framework for managing user access to resources within an organization by assigning permissions based on predefined roles. This model, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), provides a structured approach to implementing RBAC.

The NIST RBAC model offers a comprehensive and standardized approach to access control, ensuring both security and operational efficiency while supporting flexibility through role hierarchies and constraints.

Role-Based Access Control Best Practices

Regardless of which approach an organization takes to implementing an RBAC model, there are a few best practices to follow:

Use the Principle of Least Privilege

Grant users the minimum access required to perform their tasks.

Perform Regular Role Audits

Directly assigning entitlements to a user from the certifier in a granular way is tricky. Periodic roles and permissions reviews make role certifications easier and more efficient and ensure access rights remain aligned with the organization’s needs.

Enforce Role Simplicity

Avoid making roles unnecessarily complex by grouping similar responsibilities together.

Use Segregation of Duties

Implement roles that limit the ability for any one user to perform critical functions alone, reducing fraud risk.

Automate for Efficiency

Use identity governance tools to automate role assignments, access approvals, and monitoring.

Continuously Monitor

Look for unusual activity or anomalies in access patterns to enhance security.

Integrate with Access Certification

Ensure that access rights are regularly certified and updated based on business changes.

Provide User Training

Educate stakeholders on RBAC principles to encourage compliance and security awareness.

Apply RBAC at All Levels

Do not assume that managers, or users in more senior roles, should have access to everything. RBAC should be applied universally, and everyone should follow the principle of least privilege.

Benefits of an RBAC Model

Reduced Complexity

RBAC predefines which systems a new user should have access to, based on his or her role in the organization. This reduces both the complexity of assigning user access rights and the associated costs. Administrators can review access rights to ensure compliance with various regulations and optimize processes so that new employees can be up and running from day one.

Quicker On and Off-Boarding

RBAC delivers more organizational control and knowledge of who has access to what, and why, as well as reduces the administrative work and IT support associated with on-boarding and off-boarding.

Simplified Permission Management

Implementing role-based access management enables managers to apply sets of roles for simple and consistent permission management across numerous systems and users. It supports organizational change management efficiently through automated user permission updates that reflect changes in users’ roles and responsibilities.

Increased Transparency

RBAC enables organizations to manage access rights in a structured manner that aligns with their overall business goals and objectives. RBAC lets users match permissions with roles, documents requests and approvals), and prepares for audits and compliance reporting with full audit trails.

Streamlined Administration

RBAC enables simple processes for assigning privileges to individual users, and dynamic updates of user permissions according to changes in the user’s HR data, including changes in job function.

Where to Learn More

A well-conceived and implemented RBAC model as part of a larger modern IGA solution can be transformative for any organization looking to enhance its security and compliance while increasing efficiency and controlling costs. Beyond streamlining administration, RBAC is an effective way for modern organizations and institutions to effectively adapt to evolving security needs.

When you are ready to enhance your organization’s security and efficiency with RBAC, learn more about Omada Identity Cloud, Omada’s SaaS-based IGA solution that adapts to your organization out of the box, while keeping you secure and compliant.