Difference Between MAC and DAC
Two distinct strategies for managing access to computer systems and their resources are mandatory access control (MAC) and discretionary access control (DAC). They function differently, but they both have a vital role in guaranteeing data and systems' security.
What is MAC?
When security is a top priority, MAC is a more stringent access control method widely used. A central authority in MAC determines who is allowed access to a resource based on predetermined guidelines and policies. Because of this, users have little control over access control decisions; variables like role, security clearance, and user clearance level govern access.
User's access level to resources is determined by a set of rules and regulations that form the basis of access control choices in MAC. These guidelines are set by a central authority, which considers things like role, security clearance, and user clearance level.
MAC imposes access control by assigning a security label to every resource and user in the system. The security label determines the user's clearance level and consent level needed to access the resource. Access is granted only when a user's security clearance level equals or surpasses the security label linked to a resource.
Decisions about access control in MAC are primarily out of the users' control. Users cannot override decisions made by the central authority regarding access control, which are based on predetermined guidelines and regulations. As a result, MAC is a very secure access control technique, but it can also be brittle and challenging to use.
What is DAC?
Users can manage who has access to and how many resources they can access using the computer security mechanism known as DAC (Discretionary Access Control). It is widely applicable in commercial environments where personnel have the confidence to decide on access control, and it is a flexible approach to access resources.
DAC assigns access control lists (ACLs) to resources to impose access control. A resource's access control list (ACL) lists individuals or groups of users with varying access levels. The resource's administrator controls the Access Control List (ACL), which they can modify at any time to allow or deny access.
In DAC, users have a great deal of control over decisions about access control. Users are in charge of deciding who is entitled to and how much power they have over the resources they own or manage. Because of this, DAC is a highly adaptable access control method, but it may also reduce the security of users' access control choices.
Difference between MAC and DAC
MAC | DAC |
1. MAC stands for Mandatory Access Control. | 1. DAC stands for Discretionary Access Control. |
2. Usually under the control of system administrators. | 2. Usually controlled by individuals or those who own the data. |
3. Restrict access to specific objects or systems. | 3. Limits access to resources or files. |
4. Generally opposes inheritance. | 4. Frequently encourages permission for inheritance. |
5. Usually more challenging to administer and implement. | 5. Comparatively easier to administer and put into practice. |
6. Provides a restricted degree of customization for individual users. | 6. Gives users greater freedom when granting access. |
7. Users' ability to control access is restricted. | 7. Users now possess greater authority over their personal information. |
8. Centered on blocking unauthorized entry. | 8. Concentrated on giving and taking away access. |
9. Usually necessitates central policy administration. | 9. It is possible to have decentralized policy management. |
10. Ignores the ownership of objects. | 10. Depends on object ownership to regulate access. |
11. Implements strong policies for system access. | 11. Gives data owners the ability to control permissions for access. |
12. Data is categorized using security labels. | 12. Permissions are frequently granted using user or group IDs. |
13. Don't let users inherit their access rights. | 13. Permission inheritance is supported for users. |
14. Access remains unaffected by changes in ownership. | 14. Ownership changes may impact entry. |
15. Limits information exchanged between processes or users. | 15. Permits object sharing that is more flexible. |
16. High overhead costs associated with managing policies. | 16. Cut back on overhead in administration. |
17. Widely employed in military and governmental systems. | 17. Rarer in the armed forces and government. |
18. Insists on applying the least privilege principle. | 18. Access is granted at the user's discretion. |
19. Establishes robust resource isolation. | 19. Perhaps not as severe as isolation. |
20. Appropriate for extremely safe spaces. | 20. Ideal for systems with a broader purpose. |
A summary of the main distinctions between discretionary access control (DAC) and mandatory access control (MAC) can be found in this table.
In conclusion, resource owners have discretion over who can access their resources thanks to DAC, while MAC enforces access control based on centralized policies and labels. The particular security requirements of a system or organization determine which of the two protocols to use. Approaches that balance security and flexibility might employ a hybrid of the two models.