What is Cloud-based access control (CBAC)
How cloud-based access control systems work
A cloud-based access control system is a centralized service that a distributed workforce can use for authenticating themselves securely. Here’s what a typical CBAC workflow looks like:
- When a user tries to access a system, they are prompted to prove their identity. This is usually done using credentials like usernames, passwords or more secure methods like tokens or biometrics.
- The request to authenticate the user is sent to a cloud-based access control platform. The platform acts as a central hub that decides if the user should be allowed access based on the organization's policies.
- The system checks the request against predefined rules. These rules may consider factors like the user’s role, location, device or the time of the access attempt.
- The system decides whether to grant or deny access. If access is granted, the system determines what level of access the user should have (e.g., read-only, read-and-write or full access).
- Based on its determination, the system either lets the user proceed to the resource or blocks them.
- Advanced access control systems use continuous monitoring to spot unusual activity. For example, if someone logs in from an unusual location and tries to access sensitive data at odd hours, the system can revoke their access or alert administrators.
Application of cloud-based access control solutions in cybersecurity
There are several ways in which a cloud-based access control system can be leveraged to strengthen cybersecurity. Here are some examples:
Securing remote work environments
With many employees working remotely, organizations need a convenient and reliable authentication mechanism. CBAC is the ideal solution for this, as it enables seamless and ubiquitous remote access, while maintaining strong security standards.
Protecting sensitive data in healthcare
A hospital can use CBAC to limit who can view patient records on the fly. For example, doctors may have full access, while administrative staff and vendors only get partial access. This reduces the risk of data breaches and complies with privacy regulations like HIPAA.
Zero-trust security implementation
A software company looking to implement a zero-trust model can benefit greatly from CBAC. By verifying users at every access point, CBAC strengthens security and paves the path to zero trust. For example, a developer accessing the source code repository may need to pass device checks, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and behavior analysis before getting access.
Access control for IoT devices
In smart cities, it’s imperative to secure IoT devices like surveillance cameras and automated traffic control systems. A cloud-based system can be used to make sure that only authorized personnel are able to access these devices remotely.
Cloud based access control vs. RBAC vs. ABAC
Next, we will compare cloud-based access control with role-based access control (RBAC) and attribute-based access control (ABAC).
CBAC vs. RBAC
Role-based access control (RBAC) assigns access rights based on predefined roles. For example, a "Manager" role has access to docker registries, databases and source code repositories, whereas the “software developer” role only has access to the source code repositories.
It’s important to note that RBAC can be implemented within a cloud-based system. A cloud-based RBAC solution manages roles and permissions using a centralized, cloud-hosted platform. This allows easier integration across distributed systems and real-time updates.
That said, here are the differences between CBAC and RBAC:
- RBAC focuses solely on roles, while CBAC tools often combine role-based logic with additional real-time factors such as location, device type or risk signals.
- CBAC leverages cloud security resources for scalability and dynamic policy enforcement, which is less common in traditional RBAC setups.
CBAC vs. ABAC
ABAC evaluates access permissions based on attributes, such as user identity, location, time of access, device or resource sensitivity. For example, an ABAC system may allow access to a document only if the user is a project member, using a secure device and working within business hours.
Like RBAC, ABAC can also be implemented in the cloud. A cloud-based ABAC system uses cloud technology to enforce attribute-driven policies dynamically across distributed systems.
Here are the key differences between CBAC and ABAC:
Blockchain-based access control for cloud
Blockchain is an inherently secure and transparent technology. It offers a decentralized way to manage access control. Here’s how that can come in handy when combined with CBAC:
- Each access request can be recorded as an immutable transaction on the blockchain to create a tamper-proof audit trail. This can significantly improve compliance and incident response.
- Smart contracts can automate access decisions to grant or revoke access based on predefined rules, without human intervention.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity can be integrated with blockchain to make the system even smarter. For example, you can use blockchain to generate secure, tamper-proof logs and AI to analyze these logs for detecting anomalies or predicting potential risks.