Access control is a cybersecurity function that strengthens the network’s protected perimeter. It involves a variety of physical and digital measures.
To gain access, users need credentials that prove their identity. These could be something they know (like a password) or something they have (like an access card or PIN). They may also need to enter a specific location at a certain time.
User permissions
User permissions grant access to specific resources such as data files, applications or networks. They also designate the type of access, for example, can data only be viewed or can it be updated? They are a critical element of access control.
To manage top-level user permissions, open the organization manager and select the Members & Guests tab. Here, you can edit a user’s membership (either Admin, Member or Guest) and their access to folders, Workflows, pages and tasks.
When modifying permissions, you can copy them to other users or groups by selecting the Copy permissions to another group or user option. You can then choose the From and To group, provide the information and select OK. This is a great way to assign new access privileges to a user or group without having to create and assign them individually. The permissions copied overwrite any previous settings. You can only copy permissions to groups or users that exist in your system.
Role-based access control (RBAC)
Role-based access control (RBAC) is a type of security that uses roles to grant access to users. It applies the principle of least privilege, which states that users should only be granted permissions to perform their job functions. This helps prevent a data breach and mitigates excess access risks.
RBAC can help you improve operational efficiency and reduce costs by reducing the amount of paperwork, password changes and other administrative tasks needed when a new employee joins your organization or an existing one changes their job function. It also simplifies the management of user access across platforms, operating systems and applications.
To use RBAC, you must identify your business needs and define the roles that correspond to those needs. For example, you may want to create a role for employees who work with confidential information and another for those who don’t. Then, you can assign your users to the appropriate roles. Each role contains a set of permissions that determines the level of access.
Access control lists (ACLs)
ACLs are a fundamental element in access control. They are a good way to organize traffic and provide granular control over users on your computer system. ACLs can also help you manage the security of your network and protect it from malicious attacks. In addition to user permissions, ACLs can use other criteria to control traffic. For example, advanced ACLs can control traffic based on IP precedence and differentiated services code point (DSCP) priority.
ACLs are installed in routers and switches to filter traffic based on predefined rules. These rules check the packets to see if they meet access parameters and determine whether to allow or deny them. Several different types of ACLs exist, including reflexive, extended, and dynamic. These ACLs can be matched on the basis of upper-layer session information, such as source IP address, protocol service, or destination port number. They can also match on the basis of wildcards and address ranges. In addition, they can allow or deny network protocols like internet protocol (IP), user datagram protocol (UDP), incoming control message protocol (ICMP), and netBIOS.
Access control rules
In access control, rules specify the rights of a participant to objects of a given type and state within a domain. Domain-based access control lists and ad hoc ACLs use rules to determine permissions for users, groups or computers.
Authentication is one of the most critical components of an access control system, and it verifies that the person entering your network is who they say they are. It also protects data from cyberattacks by requiring multifactor authentication.
Physical access control limits physical entry to campuses, buildings and rooms, while logical access control limits connections to computer networks, system files and data. For instance, you can use an access control system to verify a subway user’s credentials, while also ensuring that only those with clearance have access to a room. To apply an access control rule you need to activate its conditions and choose an action. Rules are processed in order, and the first matching one takes effect.