RBAC VS ABAC: Choosing the Right Authorization Policy Model

Application-level authorization can be managed using models like Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC), each offering distinct advantages and challenges. RBAC is simpler and easier to manage, utilizing predefined roles such as "Admin" or "Editor" to determine user permissions, which aligns with job functions and responsibilities. However, it lacks flexibility when more granular access control is needed. On the other hand, ABAC provides a fine-grained authorization approach using attributes like user role, location, and time, allowing for dynamic and detailed access policies but often at the cost of increased complexity and resource requirements. Organizations may begin with RBAC for simplicity and gradually incorporate ABAC as more complex access needs arise, sometimes using both models together to balance broad and detailed access controls. Permit.io offers a solution that facilitates the transition between these models with a no-code UI, making permission management more accessible to all stakeholders and preventing developers from becoming bottlenecks in the process.