What is the main purpose of role-based access control (RBAC)?

The main purpose of role-based access control (RBAC) is to restrict system access to authorized users based on their roles. In an RBAC system, permissions are assigned to roles rather than individual users, which helps organizations efficiently manage user access rights according to job functions. By defining roles such as "administrator," "editor," or "viewer," an organization can ensure that users only have the permissions necessary to perform their specific duties, thus enhancing security and reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information.

This approach also simplifies the management of permissions, as changes can be made at the role level rather than for each individual user, fostering a more organized and scalable system for access control. Overall, RBAC is a critical component in maintaining cybersecurity, ensuring that users operate within their defined boundaries and adhere to the principle of least privilege.