Role Based Access Control

Primary definition

(RBAC) A model for controlling access to resources where permitted actions on resources are identified with roles rather than with individual subject identities. (SP 800-95) (NISTIR) Access control based on user roles (i.e., a collection of access authorizations a user receives based on an explicit or implicit assumption of a given role). Role permissions may be inherited through a role hierarchy and typically reflect the permissions needed to perform defined functions within an organization. A given role may apply to a single individual or to several individuals. (SP 800-53; CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)

Also known asRBAC · role-based access control · role-based access · role based access · role-based security · role based security
1 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
The Cyber GlossaryView source

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(RBAC) A model for controlling access to resources where permitted actions on resources are identified with roles rather than with individual subject identities. (SP 800-95) (NISTIR) Access control based on user roles (i.e., a collection of access authorizations a user receives based on an explicit or implicit assumption of a given role). Role permissions may be inherited through a role hierarchy and typically reflect the permissions needed to perform defined functions within an organization. A given role may apply to a single individual or to several individuals. (SP 800-53; CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)

The Cyber Glossary · 2024

Cite this term

Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Role Based Access Control. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/role-based-access-control

Sources

1 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026

01

The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary

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