8 Access Control Types to Know in 2025

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Key takeaways

• Access controls limit system and data access to authorized users based on predefined security policies.
• Common models include DAC, MAC, RBAC, ABAC, RuBAC, IBAC, RAdAC, OrBAC, and History-Based Access Controls.
• Physical access controls protect physical space and logical access controls protect digital assets.
• Fine-grained controls allow precise access decisions and coarse-grained control is simpler but broader.
• Best practices include enforcing least privilege, regular auditing, policy-based access, and IAM integration.

What is access control?

Access control is the process of restricting system, data, or resource access to authorized users based on defined policies. 

Access controls restrict access to systems, resources, and data to authorized users. It ensures users have the appropriate level of access to perform their duties while preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. With cyber breaches increasingly initiated through unauthorized access, (stolen credentials cause 22% of data breaches) implementing robust access controls has become indispensable to organizational security.

Access controls involve identifying users, verifying their credentials, and authorizing their access to resources based on predefined policies and rules. By managing user permissions, organizations can protect their assets from potential breaches and comply with regulatory requirements.

Implementing access controls requires understanding their components and functions. It includes mechanisms such as authentication, authorization, and access decision processes. These mechanisms work together to ensure that only verified users can access the resources they’re allowed to, minimizing the risk of unauthorized data access and improving overall security.

This is part of a series of articles about zero trust security.

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What are the different types of access controls?

Access controls define the rules for how permissions are granted and enforced across systems and data.

Discretionary access control (DAC)

Discretionary access control (DAC) is a model where the owner of a resource determines who can access it and what permissions they have. This allows individual users to set access rights, typically through access lists. DAC is often used in environments where data owners need to retain control over their resources, customizing permissions based on needs or relationships.

Despite its flexibility, DAC has an increased risk of unauthorized access due to the potential for human error or lack of oversight. Users can inadvertently expose sensitive data by sharing resources with incorrect permissions. 

Mandatory access control (MAC)

Mandatory access control (MAC) is a model where access rights are governed by a central authority based on predefined policies rather than user discretion. In MAC, access decisions depend on security labels and classifications, ensuring that sensitive data is only accessible to individuals with the appropriate clearance level. 

MAC is commonly used in environments requiring high security, such as military and government institutions. However, its inflexibility can be a disadvantage in dynamic environments where rapid changes in access requirements are necessary. 

Role-based access control (RBAC)

Role-based access control (RBAC) simplifies the management of user permissions by assigning access rights based on defined roles within an organization. Each role includes a set of permissions, which users inherit upon assignment to that role. This simplifies the process of adjusting access rights. RBAC is efficient for organizations with clear job functions and hierarchies, as it helps ensure employees have access only to the necessary resources.

RBAC reduces complexity in managing permissions and can quickly adapt to personnel changes. As users change roles, updating access rights is simple. However, careful planning is required to accurately define roles and associated permissions, ensuring that they adequately reflect organizational needs while preventing excessive or insufficient access levels.

Attribute-based access control (ABAC)

Attribute-based access control (ABAC) involves access rights being determined by user, resource, and environmental attributes rather than fixed roles or lists. This model allows for dynamic and granular decision-making, providing access based on a set of attributes such as user identity, time of access, and resource sensitivity. 

ABAC is suitable for organizations with complex and varying access needs. It enables detailed control over who can access specified resources under different conditions. However, the complexity of defining and managing these policies can be a challenge, requiring management tools and frameworks to ensure effective implementation.

Rule-based access control (RuBAC)

Rule-based access control (RuBAC) employs a set of rules defined by administrators to determine access permissions. These rules can take into account various factors, such as time, location, and specific actions, to grant or deny access. RuBAC allows for precise control, making it suitable for environments where conditions are well-defined and consistently applied.

Implementing RuBAC involves setting clear rules that can automatically adapt to changing circumstances, such as limiting access to certain functions during off-hours. While this offers flexibility, the maintenance and complexity of rule definitions require diligence to avoid conflicts or gaps that could be exploited by unauthorized users.

Identity-based access control (IBAC)

Identity-based access control (IBAC) focuses on granting access based solely on the user’s identity. In this model, access rights are directly tied to the individual, enabling simple access management. IBAC is often considered in scenarios where user-based authenticity is critical, such as systems exclusively handled by a dedicated set of personnel.

The simplicity of IBAC is both its advantage and limitation. While it provides clear ownership and accountability, it lacks the flexibility to easily adjust access based on roles, attributes, or dynamic needs. To counterbalance this, IBAC systems can integrate with more dynamic controls, using identity as a principle based on context. 

Risk-adaptive access control (RAdAC)

Risk-adaptive access control (RAdAC) introduces a nuanced layer to access controls by factoring risk assessment into decision-making processes. In RAdAC systems, access permissions are adjusted dynamically based on the current risk environment, threats, or operational priorities. This approach aligns security policies with real-time assessments, allowing access controls to respond to changes in risk sontexts.

By constantly evaluating risks, RAdAC allows for conditional and context-sensitive access, aligning permissions to immediate organizational requirements and threat levels. Implementing RAdAC requires sophisticated analytics and monitoring tools to assess risks accurately.

Organization-based access control (OrBAC)

Organization-based access control (OrBAC) extends the traditional access control models by focusing on organizational activities and their contextual roles. OrBAC allows access rules to be specified in terms of the actions individuals can perform within the organization, abstracting permissions to align more closely with real-world operations and activities. 

OrBAC can reflect complex organizational workflows, providing a more contextual and adaptable access control framework. It uses abstract policies that are later instantiated based on context. Effective utilization of OrBAC demands understanding of organizational processes and clear definition of activities to ensure adequate security and operational alignment.

History-based access control

History-based access control considers past interactions and behaviors in its decision-making process, leveraging historical data to inform current access permissions. This model acknowledges the importance of an individual’s previous actions and behavioral patterns, adjusting access rights based on recorded events and interactions with the system. 

Suitable for dynamic environments, it helps prevent unauthorized access by analyzing historical user behavior. By incorporating historical data, organizations can improve security by identifying anomalies or deviations from typical access patterns. The challenge is in managing and analyzing historical data to make informed access decisions, requiring data analytics tools.

What are the differences between physical and logical access control?

Physical access control protects physical spaces, while logical access control secures digital systems and data.

Physical access controls manage entry to physical spaces like buildings and offices, using mechanisms such as locks, biometric scanners, and card readers. They focus on preventing unauthorized personnel from entering restricted areas, protecting tangible assets and sensitive environments. Physical access systems are crucial for ensuring that only authorized individuals can access certain locations.

Logical access controls regulate access to digital systems and data, using methods like authentication, authorization, and data encryption. They ensure that users can access appropriate data and applications according to their permissions and roles. Both physical and logical access controls are integral to security strategies, addressing different organizational security needs.

What are the differences between fine-grained and coarse-grained access control?

Fine-grained controls offer detailed, attribute-based permissions, while coarse-grained control applies broader, role-based access rules.

Fine-grained access controls offer detailed and targeted permission settings, allowing for access decisions based on numerous attributes like user identity, time, and contextual factors. This approach provides high precision, enabling organizations to enforce strict access protocols according to precise requirements and varying conditions. Fine-grained controls suit environments with sensitive data or complex workflows.

Coarse-grained access controls apply broader access policies, defining permissions based on general roles or categories. This model requires less complexity in management, as it often uses predefined sets of permissions that can apply to several users or groups. Coarse-grained access is practical for simpler environments where a detailed level of control is unnecessary.

What are the best practices for effective access control?

Effective access controls involve least privilege enforcement, continuous monitoring, policy-driven rules, user training, and integration with IAM tools.

According to a 2023 report by Cybersecurity Ventures, organizations with mature identity and access management (IAM) programs experience 50% fewer incidents of unauthorized access. To strengthen access control, consider implementing the following best practices.

Ensure least privilege

The principle of least privilege (POLP) is a security concept where users receive the minimum level of access required to perform their job functions. By limiting permissions, organizations reduce the risk of accidental or intentional misuse of sensitive data. Implementing POLP requires careful assessment and continuous revision of user roles and access rights.

Adopting POLP involves clearly defining responsibilities, maintaining detailed access policies, and using automation to manage and enforce access rights. Regular audits help identify and remove excessive permissions, closing potential security gaps. 

Ensure constant auditing and monitoring

Regular auditing and monitoring are essential for maintaining the integrity of access control systems. These practices involve continuously reviewing access logs, monitoring user activity, and assessing compliance with security policies. By identifying unusual patterns or access attempts, organizations can quickly address potential security issues and adjust controls.

Auditing and monitoring help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and promote accountability by providing a record of access events. Implementing automated tools can assist in these efforts by providing real-time alerts and comprehensive reporting capabilities. 

Provide employee training 

Access controls rely heavily on employee training and awareness, as users must understand the security protocols, policies, and best practices required. Training programs should cover key topics such as recognizing phishing attempts, secure password management, and the implications of access violations. 

By cultivating security awareness, organizations can reduce human error and strengthen overall security. Regular training sessions, along with awareness campaigns, help keep security concepts at the forefront of employees’ minds. These should focus on ensuring that all personnel understand their role in security measures.

Integrate with IAM Systems

IAM systems can automate processes like user provisioning and deprovisioning, simplifying user management and ensuring that access rights are consistently enforced across all platforms. 

Integrating access control with IAM allows for centralized oversight of user identities, roles, and permissions, making it easier to manage changes and enforce security policies.  An effective integration requires planning to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure and security requirements. 

Managing access control with Frontegg

Whether you’re dealing with RBAC, ABAC, or any of the eight models discussed, the complexity of access control doesn’t need to slow you down. Frontegg brings all of these models into one unified platform, helping teams enforce least privilege, automate policy enforcement, and keep pace with evolving security standards without relying solely on developers.

If you’re ready to reduce identity overhead and give your teams the autonomy they need, start using Frontegg for free today. It’s time to untangle access control. Start now for free.

References

• NIST. “Digital Identity Guidelines.” NIST Special Publication 800-63. https://pages.nist.gov/800-63-3/ 
• National Institute of Standards and Technology. “Guide to General Server Security.” NIST SP 800-123. https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-123 
• Hu, Vincent C. et al. “Guide to Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC) Definition and Considerations.” NIST SP 800-162. https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-162 
• MITRE. “ATT&CK® Framework: Initial Access Tactics.” https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0001/ 
• OWASP. “Authorizstion Cheat Sheet.” OWASP Foundation. https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/Authorization_Cheat_Sheet.html 
• SANS Institute. “Access Control Models – A Brief Overview.” https://www.sans.org/white-papers/371/ 

Glossary of terms

• DAC: Discretionary Access Control, where the data owner decides permissions.
• MAC: Mandatory Access Control, where a central authority enforces access rules.
• RBAC: Role-Based Access Control, which grants permissions based on user roles.
• ABAC: Attribute-Based Access Control, which uses attributes like user, time, or location.
• RuBAC: Rule-Based Access Control, which applies administrator-defined rules.
• IBAC: Identity-Based Access Control, which ties access directly to a user’s identity.
• RAdAC: Risk-Adaptive Access Control, which adjusts permissions based on risk levels.
• OrBAC: Organization-Based Access Control, which defines access around organizational activities.
• IAM: Identity and Access Management, systems that manage user identities and permissions.
• POLP: Principle of Least Privilege, giving users only the access they need.
• NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology, a U.S. standards organization.
• OWASP: Open Worldwide Application Security Project, a nonprofit focused on software security.