In role-based access control (RBAC), what determines a user’s access permissions?

In role-based access control (RBAC), a user’s access permissions are determined by the specific role that has been assigned to them. This approach allows for a more organized and manageable way of granting access, as roles are typically based on the responsibilities and functions that a user needs to perform within an organization.

By defining roles with specific permissions, organizations can ensure that users have access only to the resources necessary for their job functions, which enhances security and minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. For example, an employee in the HR department might have access to sensitive employee records, while a member of the IT team might access system configurations. This structured assignment of permissions through roles aligns access with job requirements rather than individual user needs, making it more efficient and secure.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect how RBAC operates. The individual user's needs or their length of service could lead to inconsistent access assignments and may not align with the organizational structure or security policies. Similarly, while the overall network policy sets the framework for security, it is the specific roles within that policy that ultimately govern the permissions granted to each user.