Top 12 Authorization Constraints Reviews & Comparison

Authorization constraints are a crucial element in ensuring data privacy and security. These controls limit access to confidential information and resources, making it possible for organizations to protect themselves from unauthorized access by malicious actors. At the same time, authorization constraints allow authorized users to access the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.

Failure to put in place appropriate authorization constraints can have disastrous consequences. Cybercriminals and hackers can exploit unsecured systems to steal valuable data, commit fraud, or disrupt critical operations. Insider threats, too, can cause significant damage if employees with access to sensitive information abuse their privileges.

To mitigate these risks, organizations should implement robust, flexible, and comprehensive authorization controls. This may involve using advanced technologies like multi-factor authentication and encryption and putting in place strict protocols for granting access to high-value information and systems.

If you're looking to strengthen your organization's data security, it's critical to put in place appropriate authorization constraints. Doing so can help you effectively manage your access controls, reduce your exposure to cyber threats, and safeguard your business from potential losses and reputational harm. take immediate action to ensure robust security measures in place. DatasecurityAuthorizationCybersecurityPrivacy

Authorization Constraints

Top 12 Authorization Constraints Reviews & Comparison

Authorization constraints are essential elements of any security framework. They help to ensure that only authorized entities have access to data and systems. With so many authorization constraint options available, it can be confusing to identify what solution is right for your organization. In this post, we’ll explore the top 12 authorization constraints, along with a comparison chart to make your selection process easier.

1. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC is one of the most popular authorization constraints. The basic idea of RBAC is to assign varying levels of access to systems and resources according to the user’s role. This means that users are allowed to access resources based on their job function, which in turn decreases the risk of unauthorized access.

2. Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)

ABAC policies are based on properties associated with the user, resource, or action. This approach allows for more granular control over access rights because it can include very specific attributes such as the user’s department, job title, geographic location, etc.

3. Mandatory Access Control (MAC)

MAC differs from most other policies in that access is granted on the basis of a security label. This label is assigned according to the security clearance level of the user. MAC is generally used to enforce federal-level security policies.

4. Discretionary Access Control (DAC)

DAC policies differ from MAC policies in that the system owner or administrator assigns access rights. This means that the end-user has more control over granting, modifying and revoking permissions.

5. Time-Based Access Control (TBAC)

TBAC policies control access based on time. This might include giving temporary access to an external partner to a specific set of resources for a limited period of time.

6. Role-Based Access Control with Separation of Duties (RBAC-SoD)

RBAC-SoD expands on RBAC by adding an extra layer of security. This extra layer enforces the idea of least privilege which states that each user should only be granted the minimum access level required to complete their job function.

7. Attribute-Based Access Control with Contextual Data (ABAC-CD)

ABAC-CD policies are more granular than standard ABAC policies. The contextual data can include location, the device being used to access the resource, the time of day, and other factors that may affect the user’s ability to access a resource.

8. Discretionary Access Control with Capabilities (DAC-CAP)

DAC-CAP policies are unique because they give the end-user the ability to modify their own access rights. This can be useful in scenarios where the user needs to grant temporary access to a third party or to extend the time that a resource is available.

9. Rule-Based Access Control (RuBAC)

RuBAC policies use rule-based logic to grant or deny access. These policies are designed to accommodate more complex security requirements where attributes and roles alone may not be granular enough to enforce the desired level of security.

10. Context-Based Access Control (CBAC)

CBAC policies are similar to ABAC-CD except they are used to enforce more specific policies such as geofencing. With CBAC policies, access can be restricted to devices that are located within predefined geographical boundaries.

11. Hybrid Access Control (HAC)

HAC policies combine multiple constraints to create more granular security policies. For example, HAC might combine a rule-based policy and ABAC-CD, or it might combine ABAC and RBAC.

12. Risk-Adaptive Access Control (RAAC)

RAAC policies use real-time data about the user, device, or network to adjust access privileges based on the perceived risk. This approach allows organizations to adapt more quickly to changing security risks.

Comparison Table

| Constraint | Primary Function | Granularity | Admin control | Ease-of-use |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RBAC | Determine access based on job function | High | High | Easy |
| ABAC | Determine access based on user or resource attributes | Very High | High | Complex |
| MAC | Determine access based on security clearance level | Medium | Complex | Complex |
| DAC | Determine access right by owner or administrator | Low | High | Easy |
| TBAC | Determine access based on designated time periods | Medium | High | Easy |
| RBAC-SoD | Add layer of separation for high-risk tasks | High | Medium | Easy |
| ABAC-CD | Determine access based on contextual data | Very High | High | Complex |
| DAC-CAP | Enable end-users to modify their own access rights | Medium | Medium | Complex |
| RuBAC | Determine access through rule sets | High | High | Complex |
| CBAC | Determine access based on context, such as geolocation | Medium | Complex | Complex |
| HAC | Combine multiple constraints | High | High | Complex |
| RAAC | Adjust privileges based on risk assessment | Very High | Complex | Complex |


Selecting the right authorization constraints can feel overwhelming. By evaluating the different options available and matching those options with your organization’s specific security needs, you can develop a robust and effective security strategy. Remember, your objective is to make sure that only those who need access to data or systems are granted access, thereby minimizing the risks of unauthorized access.