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Gate locks are undisputed in preventing unauthorized access and entry. However, you also need a secure system that authorized individuals can conveniently access.
Mandatory access control systems make the concept of security and convenience more possible. Access control systems are applied to physical and digital information systems. It is used to grant entry to individual users and limit access to a particular area, workspace or data.
In large businesses and buildings, access control systems provide a security system that protects assets, employees, customers and even products and information.
What Is a Door Access Control System?
Simply put, an access control system is the system that decides who can and who cannot enter a specific door or gate. The control panel is installed in entrances, and only those with authorized credentials can be admitted.
For large business owners, the access control system is their power to keep a certain location safe. Users can only gain entry when their identity or access credential is verified. There are two main types of access control systems depending on the credential: physical and logical.
A physical access control is used for controlling a specific location. The common examples are a key card, fob or entering a PIN on a keypad.
Logical access control refers to the access granted over data or digital space for cybersecurity. A password or biometric credential can be used to access the encrypted information.
Building Access Control Models
The digital configuration in securing a building uses different access controls to grant computer network access and digital file permission.
They are divided into four main models:
- Discretionary access control
- Mandatory access control
- Role-based access control
- Rule-based access control
Discretionary Access Control
The discretionary control model (DAC) is an access control model that grants access permissions to other members of the organization.
Anyone with access to the location can grant the same privilege being granted to them with other persons at the resource owner’s discretion. DAC is considered the least restrictive access control model.
Mandatory Access Control
Mandatory Access Control (MAC) is a restrictive model for confidential locations or sensitive information. The system only allows one administrator with the sole authority to grant access and permissions.
The users are granted access points only where the security administrator allows them, and they cannot be bypassed or altered.
Role-Based Access Control
With role-based access control, users are assigned a role and permission or access is provided according to that role.
It is also called a non-discretionary access control, where the access is based on one’s position within the organization. The end users are granted access only where it is necessary for them to do their jobs.
Rule Based Access Control
If a door in a building is inaccessible at a certain time, it is because of a rule-based access control. In this type of control, the system administrator grants or denies access based on rules and limitations.
The doors may be accessed based on customizable rules such as the time of the day, user’s location, device used and other predetermined situations.
Why Choose Mandatory Access Control?
The restrictive qualities of MAC enable extreme security and protection of a location. The mandatory access control grants the sole administrator the autonomy to authorize and authenticate access policies and security attributes.
Each user and device registered in the system is assigned a specific category, security label or classification. Depending on their category, users and objects can access assets associated with that particular category.
When a user attempts to access the system, the operating system security kernel examines the information security attributes of the access device and uses it to grant or deny access. The Security Enhanced Linux or SELinux is an example of MAC implementation.
Advantages of Mandatory Access Control
Business owners and secure facilities organizations prefer using the mandatory access control for the following advantages:
Hard to Bypass
Mandatory access control offers high data protection and is hardly ever altered or bypassed.
Since the security policy is controlled by one administrator, end users cannot override the access control policy. Thus, the access control system remains hard to breach, and files or locations remain restricted.
Centralized Information
The system’s owner categorizes the data, and such information cannot be de-categorized by other users.
End users do not have permission or privileges, so the whole MAC system is centralized under one authority. Users can only access the data or building where the data owner allows them.
Privacy
MAC has been attributed to many multi-level security (MLS), military and off-limits facilities because of its extreme rigor in terms of protection. The access right owner is the only one who handles the data, its category and the end users.
Confidentiality
Individual resource objects or owners are restricted from accessing the digital systems. Thus, the data category and classification remain confidential and restrictive for the admin owner.
For example, in high-security facilities, only one officer, say the Chief Security Officer, has the authority and access to the information security system.
Disadvantages of Mandatory Access Control
Yes, the mandatory access control system also has a share of disadvantages, but it is not very compromising. It is more of a little inconvenience on the part of the system administrator.
Lack of Flexibility
The MAC system does not scale automatically. It means that the system requires regular updates in accounts and object configurations. Users need to request access to new data since they cannot configure the access parameters on their own.
Hard to Maintain
The system needs constant attention, and the set-up process can become complex.
Additionally, if a user needs immediate access to a physical location or information, it cannot be done easily. MAC restricts such actions unless the system administrator makes the necessary changes to the access privileges.
Mandatory Access Control Systems
Mandatory access controls protect businesses, assets and sensitive data from potential inside jobs and outside threats. Every owner need this as an added security level to aid the security team.
Even residential and small thriving businesses benefit greatly from the security access controls offer. One only needs to determine what fits their property, resources or organization. If you need help with door access controls and accessories, call us at All Security Equipment.
Our team of experts will be more than willing to help you get the right materials to keep your home and business safe and secure.
