What is role-based access control (RBAC)? Complete guide December 2025

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a security framework designed to manage system access by assigning permissions based on user roles rather than individual users, enhancing scalability and reducing administrative burdens. This approach allows organizations to define roles such as "admin," "developer," or "viewer," each with specific permissions, thereby streamlining access control across systems and documentation portals. RBAC minimizes security risks by enforcing the principle of least privilege, limiting exposure to both external attacks and insider threats, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks like HIPAA and GDPR. Its adaptability to modern technical environments, including cloud services and AI-driven systems, makes it a preferred model for managing access in Fortune 500 companies. Documentation platforms like Fern leverage RBAC to control content visibility, enabling the delivery of tailored information to different user groups without the need for separate documentation sites. By grouping permissions into roles based on actual job functions and maintaining a centralized access control system, organizations prevent unauthorized access and data leaks, maintaining both security and compliance.