Company
Date Published
Author
Abhishek Iyer
Word count
1346
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

Authorization is a critical aspect of app and system security, ensuring that only authorized individuals access specific resources. It can be implemented using either coarse-grained authorization (CGA) or fine-grained authorization (FGA), each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. CGA utilizes a single attribute, like a user role, making it simple and cost-effective for smaller setups, though it can lead to challenges like role explosion. In contrast, FGA employs multiple attributes for more precise control, suitable for complex environments, but requires more effort and resources to manage. Neither approach is inherently better; the choice depends on the complexity and needs of the IT environment. Many systems combine both methods, layering RBAC initially and adding ABAC and ReBAC as relationships and attributes become more intricate. Descope offers a platform to simplify the integration of these authorization methods into apps using low-code workflows, providing tools like SDKs and APIs for defining and enforcing access controls.