What benefit does Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) provide?

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) provides a significant benefit by improving security through the assignment of permissions based on user roles within an organization. In an RBAC system, users are assigned to specific roles, and each role is granted a set of permissions that dictate what resources the users in that role can access and what actions they can perform. This organizational structure allows for a more streamlined and effective management of user permissions, thus enhancing overall security.

By restricting access based on roles rather than assigning permissions on an individual basis, RBAC minimizes risks associated with excessive privileges and potential misuse. It ensures that users only have access to the resources necessary for their job functions, effectively reducing the attack surface and the likelihood of unauthorized access to sensitive information.

In contrast, requiring user settings for every individual would not only be impractical but could lead to inconsistencies and security vulnerabilities. Allowing unrestricted access for all users compromises security measures significantly, making systems vulnerable to internal and external threats. Mandating frequent password changes, while it can be part of a security policy, does not inherently provide the role-based structure that enhances security and user management like RBAC does.