What does "role-based access control" refer to in an organization?

Role-based access control (RBAC) refers to a method of regulating access to computer or network resources based on the roles of individual users within an organization. In this model, permissions are assigned to specific roles, and users are assigned to those roles based on their job functions and responsibilities. This means that access rights are not granted to users directly, but rather through the roles they hold, ensuring that individuals have the rights necessary to perform their duties while minimizing unnecessary access to sensitive information.

This system enhances security by ensuring that employees only have access to the information and resources that are pertinent to their job functions. For instance, a financial analyst may be given access to financial records, whereas a human resources manager may access employee data, but the two may not cross their access lines due to the defined roles.

The other options reflect methods of access control that do not accurately capture the essence of RBAC. For example, assigning access rights based on job title does not consider the specific responsibilities of a role and could lead to excess permissions. Similarly, using age or location as criteria for access rights does not align with the principles of RBAC, which focuses on functional roles rather than demographic or geographic factors.