Role-based access control (RBAC) is a method of restricting system access to authorised users based on their job function or “role” within an organisation. Instead of assigning permissions to individual users, you assign them to specific roles, such as “Administrator,” “Accountant,” or “HR Manager.” Users are then granted the permissions associated with the roles they are assigned.
Why it’s a best practice
- Efficiency: It simplifies the management of access rights, especially in large organisations. It’s much easier to manage roles than to manage permissions for every individual user.
- Consistency: It ensures that all users in the same role have the exact same level of access, reducing the chance of errors or inconsistencies.
- Least Privilege: RBAC naturally supports the principle of least privilege, ensuring users only have the permissions necessary to perform their job.
ISO 27001 Context
While RBAC is not explicitly defined in the ISO 27001 standard, it is a widely adopted and recommended implementation of the access control requirements found in ISO 27001 Annex A 5.15 Access Control. It’s a key technical control that helps organisations protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
