Access Control Models (DAC, MAC, RBAC)

What Are Access Control Models?

Access control models are frameworks that define how permissions are assigned and enforced, determining which users or processes can access specific resources within a system.

Discretionary Access Control (DAC)

In DAC, the owner of a resource decides who is granted access and what level of permission they receive, offering flexibility but relying heavily on the owner's judgment.

Mandatory Access Control (MAC)

MAC enforces access rules centrally based on fixed security labels and classifications, and individual users cannot alter these rules - commonly used in government and military systems requiring strict confidentiality.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC assigns permissions based on a user's role within an organization, such as "admin" or "editor," simplifying management by grouping similar access needs rather than assigning permissions individually.