Category: Security

April 25, 2024 Post a Comment

MAC vs DAC vs RBAC

access controls

MAC, DAC, and RBAC are all access control mechanisms used in computer security, but they differ in their approaches and implementations:

  1. MAC (Mandatory Access Control):
    • In MAC, access control is determined by the admin or system rather than the owner of the resource or the user.
    • Access permissions are set by a central authority (usually the operating system) based on security labels or classifications.
    • Users cannot override or modify access controls set by the system, even if they own the resource.
    • MAC is commonly used in government and military environments where strict control over data access is required.
  2. DAC (Discretionary Access Control):
    • DAC gives users control over the access permissions of the resources they own.
    • Owners can specify who can access their resources and what level of access they have.
    • Access control decisions are discretionary, meaning they are left to the discretion of the resource owner.
    • DAC is typically used in systems where users require flexibility in managing access permissions, such as personal computers and small business networks.
  3. RBAC (Role-Based Access Control):
    • RBAC assigns permissions to users based on their roles within an organization.
    • Users are assigned roles that correspond to their job functions, and permissions are granted to these roles.
    • This simplifies access management by reducing the complexity of assigning permissions directly to individual users.
    • RBAC is effective in large organizations where there are many users with varying levels of access requirements, as it helps to manage permissions in a more structured and scalable way.

In summary, MAC focuses on centralized control, DAC gives control to resource owners, and RBAC organizes access based on user roles within an organization. Each has its own advantages and use cases depending on the security requirements and organizational structure.

 

April 25, 2023

How Secure is your password?

security-laptop

Password security is crucial in protecting your online accounts and sensitive information from unauthorized access. A strong password is one that is difficult for an attacker to guess or crack, even with the use of automated tools. In 2023, as computing power and technology continue to advance, attackers may be able to crack weaker passwords more easily, which makes it essential to use strong and complex passwords.

One best practice for password security is to follow the guidelines set forth by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST is a federal agency that provides cybersecurity standards and guidelines for organizations and individuals to follow. The NIST guidelines recommend using long and complex passwords that are at least 12 characters long, include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. The guidelines also suggest using a passphrase, which is a longer sequence of words that are easy to remember but difficult for attackers to guess.

Another best practice is to avoid using commonly used passwords, such as “password” or “123456,” as they are easily guessable by attackers. It’s also important to use a unique password for each online account to prevent attackers from gaining access to all your accounts if one password is compromised. Password managers can be a useful tool in generating and storing complex passwords securely.

In addition to using strong passwords, implementing two-factor authentication can provide an added layer of security. Two-factor authentication requires a second form of identification, such as a fingerprint or a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password, to access an account. This makes it more difficult for attackers to gain access to your accounts even if they have your password.

In summary, strong and complex passwords are crucial in protecting your sensitive information from unauthorized access. By following the NIST guidelines and best practices for password security, you can ensure that your passwords are secure and difficult to guess or crack.

The table below shows how long it takes to crack a password in 2023.

Password Length Numbers Only Lowercase Letters Only Upper and lowercase Letters Numbers +Upper and lowercase Letters Numbers +Upper and lowercase Letters + Symbol
5 Instantly Instantly Instantly Instantly Instantly
6 Instantly Instantly Instantly Instantly Instantly
7 Instantly Instantly 1 second 2 seconds 4 seconds
8 Instantly Instantly 28 seconds 2 minutes 5 minutes
9 Instantly 3 seconds 24 minutes 2 hours 6 hours
10 Instantly 1 minute 21 hours 5 days 2 weeks
11 Instantly 32 minutes 1 month 10 months 3 years
12 1 second 14 hours 6 years 53 years 226 years
13 5 seconds 2 weeks 332 years 3k years 15k years
14 52 seconds 1 year 17k years 202k years 1m years
15 9 minutes 27 years 898k years 12m years 77m years
16 1 hour 713 years 46m years 779m years 5b years
17 14 hours 18k years 2b years 48b years 380b years
18 6 days 481k years 126b years 2t years 26t years
Source: https://www.hivesystems.io/
April 25, 2023 Post a Comment

Risk Assessment

Risk

Risk assessment is a critical process that helps individuals and organizations identify potential hazards and assess their likelihood of occurrence and potential impact. By conducting a thorough risk assessment, individuals and organizations can take steps to mitigate potential risks and protect themselves from harm.

The risk assessment process typically involves four key steps: identification, analysis, evaluation, and mitigation. The first step is to identify potential risks, which can include natural disasters, cyber attacks, financial risks, and more. Once potential risks have been identified, they must be analyzed to determine their likelihood of occurrence and potential impact. This step involves gathering information about the risks, including their causes, potential consequences, and possible scenarios.

After analyzing the risks, they must be evaluated to determine their significance and prioritize them based on their potential impact. This step involves assessing the risks based on their likelihood of occurrence and potential consequences, as well as their potential impact on the organization's mission, goals, and objectives.

Once risks have been evaluated, the final step is to mitigate them. This involves developing and implementing strategies to reduce or eliminate the risks, such as implementing security protocols, developing emergency response plans, or acquiring insurance coverage.

Effective risk assessment requires a careful and methodical approach, as well as a commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement. By regularly assessing and updating risk management strategies, individuals and organizations can stay ahead of potential threats and minimize the impact of unexpected events.

In conclusion, risk assessment is a critical process that helps individuals and organizations identify potential hazards and take steps to mitigate them. By following a systematic approach to risk management, individuals and organizations can reduce their exposure to potential risks and protect themselves from harm.