Access Controls

An access control model is a framework used to ensure that only authenticated and authorized users can access the resources pertinent to their roles within an organization. There are several distinct access control models, each with its own complexities, as described in the following sections.

Mandatory Access Control (MAC)

MAC is a stringent access strategy that employs classification levels to regulate access to information based on the sensitivity of the data and the user’s clearance level. The classification levels (Top Secret, Secret, Confidential, and Restricted) serve to prevent unauthorized access, protecting national interests from varying degrees of potential damage. The classification is not solely about the potential impact on national interests but also applies to organizations for which data sensitivity and confidentiality are paramount.

Once classified data is created, it becomes the property of the organization, and various roles are...