Access control is a key component of mobile application security, as it determines who can access what data and functions in your app. In this article, you will learn about the basic concepts and principles of access control, the common types and models of access control, and the best practices and standards for implementing access control in mobile apps.
Access control is the process of granting or denying access to data and functions based on the identity, role, or attributes of the user or device. Access control helps protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your app's data and functions, as well as the privacy and security of your users. Access control can be applied at different levels, such as the app, the device, the network, or the server.
Access control in mobile app security means controlling who can do what in the app. To do this, you usually have to log in with a username and password or something like your fingerprint. Once you're in, the app needs to decide what you're allowed to do. This part can be a bit tricky. Imagine you and your friends are playing a game and each one has a role. Some can kick the ball, some can only pass it, some can do both. You don't want to give everyone all the powers because that is risky. So, you follow the rule of least privilege, which means you give people just enough power to do what they need. If someone loses their phone, you also want to be able to lock the app or wipe it clean remotely.
There are three main types of access control: discretionary, mandatory, and role-based. Discretionary access control (DAC) allows the owner of the data or function to decide who can access it. Mandatory access control (MAC) enforces a predefined policy based on the security level of the data or function and the clearance of the user or device. Role-based access control (RBAC) assigns permissions based on the role or function of the user or device, rather than their identity.
There are several models of access control that define how the access rights and policies are structured and implemented, such as Attribute-based access control (ABAC), Policy-based access control (PBAC), Capability-based access control (CBAC), and Context-aware access control (CAAC). ABAC uses attributes of the user, device, data, function, or environment to evaluate access requests based on predefined rules or policies. PBAC uses policies that specify the conditions and actions for granting or denying access to data or functions. CBAC uses tokens or certificates that represent the capabilities or privileges of the user or device to access data or functions. Finally, CAAC uses contextual information to dynamically adjust the access rights and policies based on the risk level of the access request.
To ensure effective and secure access control in your mobile app, you should implement the principle of least privilege, strong authentication and authorization mechanisms, encryption and hashing, logging and auditing, and standard frameworks and guidelines. For example, biometric, multifactor, or token-based methods can be used to verify the identity and credentials of users or devices before granting access. Additionally, encryption and hashing can be used to protect data and functions from unauthorized access or modification. Logging and auditing can help monitor access requests and activities, as well as detect any anomalies or breaches. Finally, using frameworks such as OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) or NIST Special Publication 800-163 Rev. 1 will ensure compliance with best practices and requirements for mobile app security.
Access control is important for mobile app security because it helps prevent unauthorized access, misuse, or abuse of your app's data and functions, which could compromise the security, privacy, or functionality of your app and your users. Access control also helps you comply with the legal and regulatory obligations and expectations for data protection and privacy, such as GDPR, CCPA, or HIPAA. Access control also helps you enhance the user experience and trust, by providing them with the appropriate level of access and control over their data and functions.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Role-Based Access Control is a common model used in mobile application security. In RBAC, access permissions are assigned based on roles or job functions within the organization. Users are assigned specific roles, and those roles determine what actions they can perform within the app. RBAC simplifies access control management and ensures that users have the necessary permissions to perform their roles while restricting access to sensitive functions or data.