Glossary

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a security model that restricts system access based on predefined user roles, streamlining permissions management and enhancing overall security. In RBAC, roles are created according to the responsibilities within an organization, and access permissions are tied directly to these roles rather than to individual users. This approach minimizes the risk of unauthorized access by ensuring users only have access to resources necessary for their role—often referred to as the principle of least privilege.

Adopting RBAC brings several key advantages. It simplifies permission management, especially in large organizations, by allowing administrators to manage user rights at a role level rather than individually. This model is also highly scalable, making it suitable for companies of all sizes, as new employees or changes in roles only require adjustments to the assigned role rather than individual permissions. Additionally, by reducing excess access, RBAC mitigates the potential impact of insider threats and breaches.

Implementing RBAC requires a thoughtful planning phase, during which roles and permissions are defined clearly to prevent overlap or unnecessary access. Organizations commonly use tools or services that integrate RBAC for centralized management, allowing them to adjust roles and permissions as the organization grows or evolves.