With next-generation technologies such as dynamic authorization and fine-grained access control on the rise, it is important to understand the different frameworks to ensure organizations are using the best method for their needs. In this article, we will be covering the relationship between Policy Based Access Control (PBAC) and Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC), along with how PBAC can be used to implement ABAC and extend Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) and Policy-Based Access Control (PBAC) function as complementary models that, when integrated, enable a highly adaptive and scalable framework for enforcing access policies across complex IT ecosystems.
What is Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
ABAC is an access control model that uses attributes (or characteristics) to define access policies. These attributes can apply to both users (e.g., job title, department, security clearance), resources (e.g., data classification, resource type), actions (e.g., read, write), and environmental factors (e.g., time of day, location). This model offers fine-grained, highly adaptable control, making it ideal for dynamic IT environments.
In ABAC:
- Access decisions are based on if-then rules that evaluate the combination of these attributes.
- A policy might look like: “Allow access to financial data only if the user’s department is ‘Finance’ and they are accessing from an organization-approved device.”
- ABAC provides very fine-grained control and is highly adaptable to dynamic environments.
How does ABAC differ from Policy-Based Access Control (PBAC)?
PBAC is a broader framework that uses centralized policies to govern access decisions across an organization. Policies can cover roles, users, resources, actions, and context, making PBAC flexible enough to implement ABAC, RBAC, or even context-based access control.
PBAC is flexible in that:
- It allows administrators to define access policies that can span roles, users, resources, environments, and actions.
- Policies can be defined for specific scenarios, such as role-based, attribute-based, or even context-based access control.
Benefits of Combining Attribute Based Access Control and Policy Based Access Control
ABAC and PBAC can complement each other. ABAC determines access based on attributes, while PBAC provides the overarching framework that uses these attributes, along with other factors, to define, manage, and enforce access control policies. In this way, ABAC functions as a key component within PBAC. The main benefits include:
- Flexibility and Granularity: ABAC allows the creation of complex, attribute-based policies, while PBAC centralizes and manages these policies efficiently.
- Scalability: PBAC enables access control to be applied at an organizational level, while ABAC dynamically adapts to individual user attributes.
- Fine-Grained Control: Combining ABAC’s attribute-based logic with PBAC’s policy management provides precise, context-aware control over resources.
The integration of ABAC and PBAC creates a flexible, scalable, and adaptive access control framework capable of evolving with shifting organizational priorities and security requirements. This combined approach enhances precision and consistency in access management, providing a policy-driven model that supports growth and compliance.
Explore More
Learn real-world applications, architecture examples, and implementation strategies, by downloading the full whitepaper “Policy-Based Access Control (PBAC) and Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)”.
