What is Mandatory Access Control?

Mandatory Access Control (MAC) is a stringent security model where access permissions are centrally managed by administrators, rather than by individual resource owners. In MAC, access decisions are based on predefined policies and classifications that dictate which users or groups can access specific data. Users cannot modify access permissions, and access is granted strictly based on security clearances and the classification of information. This model is often used in high-security environments where data confidentiality and integrity are prioritised, such as government agencies or military settings, where strict control over information access is critical.

Benefits of MAC

High level of security

With permissions managed centrally based on strict policies, MAC significantly reduces the chances of unauthorised access. This makes it ideal for environments where sensitive data protection is a priority, such as government, defence, and healthcare sectors. MAC’s structure ensures that only individuals with the necessary clearances can access classified information, minimising the risk of data breaches.

Prevents privilege creep

This is a common security concern where users accumulate permissions over time. In MAC, access is strictly determined by security classification rather than individual discretion, meaning that permissions are less likely to expand unnecessarily. This centralised control gives administrators better oversight of access permissions, enabling consistent application of security policies across the organisation. For industries with strict compliance requirements, such as finance or healthcare, MAC’s stringent access control can also simplify regulatory compliance.

Drawbacks

Inflexibility

Since permissions are centrally managed, making quick adjustments or granting temporary access can be challenging, potentially slowing down workflows. This rigidity can be an obstacle in dynamic environments where employees frequently need to collaborate and share information on short notice. Organisations with high collaboration needs may find MAC overly restrictive, as it often requires several steps to adjust access for each user.

High demand on IT and administrative teams

Constant monitoring and enforcing access controls are needed on a continual basis. This can increase administrative costs and require specialised tools and resources to maintain effectively. For smaller organisations or those with fewer security needs, MAC can be unnecessarily complex and resource-intensive to implement, making it less practical for certain types of businesses.

Use Cases

Mandatory Access Control is commonly used in high-security environments where data protection is paramount. Government agencies, military institutions, and organisations handling sensitive information, such as financial data or personal health records, often implement MAC to ensure compliance with strict regulatory standards. MAC is also favoured in industries where specific data classifications, like confidential or top-secret, dictate who can access the information. Additionally, organisations needing centralised control over access, such as financial institutions and critical infrastructure providers, often use MAC to prevent unauthorised access and protect against security breaches.