What Is the Difference Between SBAC and RBAC

For many organizations, the idea of keeping systems and resources secure can feel at odds with priorities like efficiency and productivity. When you consider the average company today uses over 100 different applications, you can imagine the potential security concerns. 

Each app, system, or resource needs to be accessible to certain parties, but granting broad access is not a viable option—it’s far too expensive, and creates far too many security risks.

Through the implementation of role-based access control (RBAC), companies can much more easily grant and manage access based on individual user roles. With that said, role-based access control implementation, while a great starting point, isn’t the only type of access control model a company should consider. Others include attribute-based and scope-based access control (ABAC and SBAC, respectively).
But what are the differences between these models, and when should you use RBAC vs. ABAC? What about SBAC? Keep reading for an overview of these methodologies, including a primary use case for each.

What Is RBAC Used For?

Role-based access control (RBAC) improves organizational security by restricting access to key systems and resources based on users’ roles within the company. When implemented properly, RBAC also helps to streamline operations and reduce costs. The larger or more complex the organization, the larger the potential impact of RBAC on its security, efficiency, and ability to manage costs.

What Are the 4 Models of RBAC?

A typical RBAC implementation relies on several different role-based access control models working in tandem with (and building off of) each other. They are best described as “levels” within a comprehensive RBAC model, and they form a blueprint or template for how to implement the RBAC model:

• Flat RBAC (Level 1) applies the three basic rules of RBAC (role assignment, role authorization, and permission authorization).

• Hierarchical RBAC (Level 2) adds a layer of specificity to the model by organizing user roles according to their hierarchy within the organization. 

• Constrained RBAC (Level 3) incorporates support for separation of duties for use cases where a given task requires input from multiple individuals or parties—but keeping access otherwise restricted is just as important.

• Symmetrical RBAC (Level 4) combines the flat, hierarchical, and constrained RBAC models—along with additional support for ongoing, periodic review of user permissions and access (which can be updated as needed).

What Is Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)?

ABAC, or attribute-based access control, is another popular access control method organizations can implement to streamline operations and enhance security. While some companies might choose between RBAC and ABAC, they are commonly leveraged together in a hybrid approach by which an organization can experience each method’s benefits.

What Is the Difference Between ABAC and RBAC?

While RBAC simply grants (or denies) access based on a user’s specific role within an organization, ABAC also considers specific attributes of a given system or resource when determining permissions. 

Here’s another way to think about it: RBAC methodically protects sensitive files and systems, while ABAC provides additional granularity..

As such, ABAC enables a more dynamic approach to access control, giving administrators more specific control over who is able to access certain systems and resources. With ABAC, for example, when a user requests access, that user’s details are scrutinized to ensure that the type or level of access being requested aligns with existing policies and permissions. 

What Is Scope-Based Access Control (SBAC)?

Like role-based access control (RBAC), scope-based access control (SBAC) enhances organizational security by limiting individual user’s access to systems and resources, but SBAC bases permissions on the minimum level of access they need based on their specific role or use case. Rather than thinking about SBAC as an alternative to RBAC, it’s important to understand that RBAC and SBAC often work together, with SBAC serving as an extension of RBAC.

What Is the Difference Between SBAC and RBAC?

While SBAC and RBAC are both intended to prevent unauthorized access and maintain overall security, there is one primary difference: scope-based access control considers not only a user’s role within the organization, but the extent or scope of access they require for a given system or resource as well. 

For example, while many users might need some level of access to a specific database, for example, perhaps some areas should be “off limits” to all but a few users. Alternatively, it could be the case that some users’ “scope” of needed access involves being able to modify or update database entries, while other users may only need access to view its contents.

What Should You Look for in an RBAC Solution? 

The best RBAC solutions offer a comprehensive toolset that’s easy to use. At a minimum, it should support the three primary “rules” of RBAC: 

• Role assignment
• Role authorization, and 
• Permission authorization

In addition, it should also enable administrators to implement role-based access control best practices, including the principles of least privilege and separation of duties.

These are just the minimum requirements for an appropriate RBAC solution. The best solutions will extend functionality well beyond these minimums, empowering administrators with dynamic and granular control over access and permissions. 
A platform like Lumos doesn’t just accommodate RBAC, it empowers organizations with the tools and insights they need to transform their operations through self-service and automation. 

Using these advanced features allows administrators to slash the number of access requests the IT team has to process, which in some cases can bog down operations or result in over-provisioning. You can learn more about how the Lumos platform’s self-service and automation functionality can impact your organization by downloading our RBAC guide.

Choose Efficiency, Cost Reduction, and Security—with Lumos

The Lumos platform enables organizations to streamline operations and reduce their software costs without sacrificing their security. Ready to learn more? Visit our website to read customer stories, or to read more about how Lumos can help you speed through access reviews, cut support costs through automation, and more. 

When you’re ready to discuss how Lumos can impact your organization, don’t hesitate to request a demo.