How to Implement the RBAC Model

Role-based access control (RBAC) provides organizations with the tools and insights they need to streamline their operations, reduce software costs, and enhance their security. As organizations leverage an increasing number of SaaS applications, the importance of RBAC continues to become an increasingly important consideration.

Despite this, role-based access control implementation may not be as complicated as you would think. The key is to identify the right RBAC solution to serve your organization’s needs. 

Wondering where to start? This article will cover how to implement role-based authorization—including how to create an RBAC model that incorporates self-service and automation, as well as the benefits of such an approach.

What Is RBAC Implementation, and What Are the Keys to Success?

Role-based access control implementation refers to the process of grouping users based on their role, and then assigning permissions to those user groups based accordingly. When properly implemented, RBAC streamlines operations and reduces software costs—without compromising security. RBAC implementation, in fact, enhances security by preventing unauthorized access, intentional or unintentional misuse, and fraudulent activity.

While each RBAC implementation will be unique—based on the specific needs of each organization—a few best practices should be followed as you develop your RBAC priorities and evaluate RBAC solutions. Consider the following RBAC implementation best practices:

1. Consider Your Objectives and Priorities: RBAC implementation can achieve a lot of different outcomes, but the best RBAC solutions are well-aligned with the organization’s top priorities. To fine-tune your own approach, consider factors like potential security vulnerabilities, workflow inefficiencies, and compliance requirements—and then develop your RBAC model accordingly.

2. Take Inventory of Existing Apps and Systems: List each resource (including data assets and software applications) that require some type of access control. At the same time, take note of any apps or systems you’re paying for but not actually using, as deactivating them can reduce security risks and save money.

3. Define Specific Roles and Permissions: Categorize employees into role-based groupings, and then determine the levels of access or types of permissions users in each role will need to have.

4. Assign People and Roles: Now that you’ve created your RBAC framework by identifying your priorities, taking inventory, and defining roles, you’re ready to assign people to those roles.

5. Evaluate RBAC Solutions and Features: As you work to identify the right RBAC solution for your organization, keep your key objectives in the forefront of your mind. That’s the best way to ensure that the solution you select will be well-aligned with your priorities.

What Are the 4 Models of RBAC?

The NIST RBAC model provides the framework for role-based access control implementation, and consists of four different “levels” of RBAC. Rather than choosing one over another, it’s important to note that they build off of one another, as described below.

• Flat RBAC (Level 1): This foundational level of RBAC establishes three primary rules of role-based access control: role assignment (assigning users to defined roles), role authorization (determining access permissions based on roles), and permission authorization (authorizing users access to apps and resources based on rules 1 and 2).

• Hierarchical RBAC (Level 2): Aligns and integrates access control and permissions based on set hierarchies within the organization.

• Constrained RBAC (Level 3): Integrates controls related to the separation of duty principle.

• Symmetrical RBAC (Level 4): Adds further complexity and functionality to RBAC systems through periodical review and adjustment of users, roles, and permissions as the organization evolves.

How Do You Implement a Role-Based Access Control System that Uses Self-Service and Automation—and Why Is It a Good Idea?

With some RBAC solutions, functionality may be limited or incapable of achieving organizational objectives. For example, you might develop an effective RBAC model, but still find your IT team inundated with access request after access request. And while this isn’t difficult work for IT pros, it’s not efficient and it’s not the best use of their time. 

By seeking out a comprehensive solution that enables self-service and automation, companies can maximize the efficiency and utility of their role-based access control implementation, and relieve IT teams of the seemingly-endless number of access requests they receive.

Lumos provides a versatile and unified RBAC solution that enables workflow automation, self-service for access requests, and much more. As we’ve outlined in our step-by-step RBAC guide—A CIO’s Guide to Self-Service & RBAC, which you can download here—there are 7 key steps for enhancing your approach to RBAC with self-service and automation:

1. Gather a list of every single app your organization pays for, so you can identify the most important apps—as well as those that are being under-utilized or not used at all.

2. Create a centralized hub for access requests—so no matter what a user needs, they know the most efficient way to submit their request and have it processed in a timely manner.

3. Develop workflows your organization can implement to streamline, simplify, and document access request and approval processes. (This is where features like self-service and automation can unlock new levels of efficiency without compromising security.)

4. Define visibility for your organization by listing the specific apps members of each role-based user group needs access to (including the level of access when appropriate).

5. Determine whether direct app assignment or group-based access controls make more sense for your organization, and make sure your IT team knows which apps’ access should be granted directly or via user groups.

6. Make sure to establish processes and expectations around compliance and audit-readiness, whether that means using an ITSM tool or a self-service app like Lumos.

7. Educate users about the expected workflows for requesting access, emphasizing self-service for routine requests. 

See Lumos in Action

At Lumos, we’ve helped companies across a wide range of industries to evaluate and implement the best RBAC solutions for their key objectives. Visit our website to read some customer stories, download our RBAC guide or book a demo to see the platform in action.