Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Bastion Host • Digital Signature • SAML

ABAC

Term from Information Security industry explained for recruiters

ABAC (Attribute-Based Access Control) is a security method that helps organizations control who can access what information based on specific characteristics or 'attributes.' Think of it like a smart security guard who checks multiple factors before letting someone into different rooms in a building. Instead of just checking if someone has a basic key (like traditional systems), ABAC looks at things like the person's role, time of day, location, and device they're using. This makes it more flexible and secure than older methods like role-based access control (RBAC). It's particularly useful for large companies that need detailed control over who can see or modify sensitive information.

Examples in Resumes

Implemented ABAC security system for company-wide data protection

Designed and deployed Attribute-Based Access Control policies across multiple departments

Led migration from legacy systems to ABAC framework, improving security compliance

Typical job title: "Information Security Engineers"

Also try searching for:

Security Engineer Information Security Analyst Access Control Specialist IAM Engineer Security Architect Cybersecurity Engineer Security Solutions Engineer

Where to Find Information Security Engineers

Professional Networks

Industry Organizations

• (ISC)² - Security Certification Organization
• ISACA
• SANS Institute

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you design an ABAC system for a company with multiple international offices?

Expected Answer: Should explain how they would consider different countries' regulations, time zones, and varying access needs while maintaining security. Should mention policy creation, attribute management, and compliance requirements.

Q: How do you measure the effectiveness of an ABAC implementation?

Expected Answer: Should discuss metrics like reduction in access-related incidents, audit results, user satisfaction, and system performance. Should mention monitoring and reporting strategies.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key differences between RBAC and ABAC?

Expected Answer: Should explain how RBAC is simpler but limited to role-based decisions, while ABAC offers more flexibility by considering multiple attributes like time, location, and device type.

Q: How would you handle emergency access situations in an ABAC system?

Expected Answer: Should discuss break-glass procedures, temporary access policies, audit logging, and how to maintain security while allowing necessary emergency access.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic components of an ABAC system?

Expected Answer: Should identify key elements like attributes (user, resource, environment), policies, and the policy decision point. Basic understanding of how these work together.

Q: Can you explain what attributes are in ABAC?

Expected Answer: Should explain that attributes are characteristics like user role, time of day, location, or device type that help determine access permissions.