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Difference Between MAC and DAC
MAC (Mandatory Access Control) and DAC (Discretionary Access Control) are two access control strategies used in computer security to limit resource access.
The primary distinction between MAC and DAC is how they restrict resource access. DAC enables users to regulate access to resources that they own or have access to, whereas MAC imposes a centralized authority that determines who can access resources based on specified rules and policies.
Read this article to find out more about MAC and DAC and how they are different from each other.
What is MAC?
MAC is a stricter access control mechanism that is frequently utilized in environments where security is important. A central authority in MAC decides who has access to a resource based on specified rules and policies. As a result, users have limited power over access control decisions, and access is determined by factors such as user clearance level, role, and security clearance.
Access control choices in MAC are based on a set of rules and regulations that determine the level of access that users have to resources. A central authority establishes these rules and policies, which take into consideration factors such as user clearance level, role, and security clearance.
MAC enforces access control by issuing a security label to each resource and user in the system. The security label determines the level of clearance required to access the resource as well as the user's level of clearance. Access to a resource is only given if the user's security clearance level matches or exceeds the security label assigned to the resource.
Users have little control over access control decisions in MAC. The central authority makes access control decisions based on specified rules and regulations, and users cannot overrule these decisions. Because of this, MAC is a very secure access control method, but it may also be rigid and difficult to manage.
What is DAC?
DAC (Discretionary Access Control) is an access control mechanism used in computer security that allows users to regulate access to resources that they own or have access to. It is a versatile access control method that is frequently used in commercial settings where users are trusted to make access control decisions.
Access control lists (ACLs) are assigned to resources by DAC to impose access control. An ACL is a list of individuals or groups of users who can access a resource and the amount of access they have. The ACL is managed by the resource's owner and can be changed at any moment to grant or cancel access.
Users have extensive influence over access control decisions in DAC. Users can control who has access to the resources they own or control, as well as the level of access they have. This makes DAC a highly flexible access control technique, but it can also make users' access control decisions less safe.
Difference between Induction MAC and DAC
The following table highlights the major differences between MAC and DAC −
Characteristics |
MAC |
DAC |
|---|---|---|
Access Control Decisions |
Access control decisions are made by a central authority based on predetermined rules and policies |
Access control decisions are made by the owner of the resource. |
Stands for |
Mandatory Access Control |
Discretionary Access Control |
Implementation |
Difficult to implement |
Easy to implement |
Commercial DBMSs |
It doesnt support commercial DBMSs |
It supports commercial DBMSs |
Flexibility |
MAC has a little flexibility |
DAC has a high degree of flexibility |
Level of Security |
MAC are more secure because access control decisions are made by a central authority |
DAC are less secure compared to MAC because users make the access control decisions |
Usage |
It is used in high-security situations such as military and government organizations. |
It is used in business environments |
Labor intensive |
Less labor intensive |
More labor intensive |
Conclusion
In conclusion, MAC and DAC are two different access control technologies used in computer security to restrict resource access. DAC allows users to regulate access to resources that they own or have access to, whereas MAC imposes a centralized authority that decides who can access resources based on specified rules and policies.
The decision between MAC and DAC is ultimately decided by the amount of security required for the resources that are being protected as well as the level of trust in the individuals who will access those resources. Military and government organizations may select MAC, whereas corporate contexts may prefer DAC.
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