Data access restrictions play an essential role in keeping confidential information safe and private. They are used to limit access to data only to individuals who have earned the right through rigorous vetting.
This includes research training and project vetting in addition to the use of secure lab environments in virtual or physical form. In some instances an embargo is required to protect research findings until they are ready to be published.
A variety of access control models are available such as Discretionary Control (DAC) which means that the administrator or the owner decides who is allowed to access certain systems, data or resources. This model provides flexibility however it could create security risks since individuals can inadvertently grant access to those who should not be granted access. Mandatory Access Control (MAC), is a non-discretionary system that is commonly used in government or military settings where access is controlled by information classification and clearance levels.
Access control is also critical in meeting the requirements of industry compliance to protect information and ensure security. By adopting best practices for access control and adhering to pre-defined policies companies can show conformity during audits or inspections and avoid penalties or fines and keep trust with customers or clients. This is especially important in environments that are subject to regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. By regularly reviewing and updating the access rights of current and former employees companies can ensure that sensitive information is not available to unauthorized users. This requires careful monitoring of existing permissions, and making sure access is deprovisioned when people quit or change roles within the company.
