Authorization Models: RBAC vs ABAC

tabla jazz, garage tango, saxophone drum and bass · 3:57

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Sarah works in accounting, needs the payroll screen
But marketing data? That's not in her scene
Roles define the boundaries, clean and neat
RBAC draws the map for every seat
Your job title opens certain doors
Permissions bundled up in stores

[Chorus]
RBAC says "who are you today?"
ABAC asks "what's the context, what's at play?"
Roles versus attributes, choose your gate
Least privilege principle, don't hesitate
Lock it down tight, but keep the flow
Authorization models, this is what you need to know

[Verse 2]
But wait - it's Friday after five o'clock
Should Sarah access payroll around the block?
From her home computer, different location
ABAC weighs each situation
Time and place and device combine
Attributes paint a richer line

[Chorus]
RBAC says "who are you today?"
ABAC asks "what's the context, what's at play?"
Roles versus attributes, choose your gate
Least privilege principle, don't hesitate
Lock it down tight, but keep the flow
Authorization models, this is what you need to know

[Bridge]
Simple company? Roles will do
Complex cases? Attributes help you through
Department, clearance, time of day
Location, risk assessment weighs
Both models serve the same main goal
Give just enough, maintain control

[Verse 3]
Doctor accessing patient files at night
Emergency room gives context to the sight
ABAC reads the situation's need
While RBAC sticks to role indeed
Choose your model, implement with care
Security balanced everywhere

[Chorus]
RBAC says "who are you today?"
ABAC asks "what's the context, what's at play?"
Roles versus attributes, choose your gate
Least privilege principle, don't hesitate
Lock it down tight, but keep the flow
Authorization models, this is what you need to know

[Outro]
Minimum access, maximum care
That's how you build security everywhere

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