Access Control Demystified: Subjects, Objects, and Rules Explained!

The Key Players:

• Subjects: These are the "who" in access control. They can be users, applications, processes, or even devices trying to access resources. Think of them as the people trying to enter the secure building.
• Objects: These are the "what" in access control. They represent the resources being protected, like files, databases, applications, or even network devices. Imagine these as the different areas within the secure building.
• Rules (Access Control Policies): These are the instructions that determine whether a subject can access an object and how. They act like the security guard's instructions - who has access to which areas, and what they can do there (read, edit, delete, etc.).

Let's Use an Example:

Imagine you're a student (subject) at a school (administrator sets the rules). You can access your school email (object) to check assignments and communicate with teachers. However, you can't access the administrator's files (another object) due to the rules set by the school.

Benefits of Access Control:

• Security: Limits unauthorized access to sensitive information, preventing data breaches and misuse.
• Data Integrity: Ensures only authorized users can modify data, maintaining its accuracy and reliability.
• Compliance: Helps organizations meet regulatory requirements for data protection (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR).

Learning More:

Want to explore access control further? Here are some great resources:

• YouTube Channels:John Savill's CISSP Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdC3YQR4lNFLHJh_lOd2QMovHjhEdTFjN (Provides clear explanations of access control concepts)NetworkChuck: https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkChuck (Offers engaging cybersecurity content, including access control basics)