Authorization

Term from Information Security industry explained for recruiters

Authorization is a key security concept that determines what users can and cannot do within a computer system or application. Think of it like having different keys for different rooms in a building - some employees can only enter basic areas, while others have access to more sensitive spaces. When you see this term in resumes or job descriptions, it's about setting up and managing these "permission levels" to protect company data and systems. It's often paired with "Authentication" (which verifies who someone is) and "Access Control" (the overall system of managing who can access what).

Examples in Resumes

Implemented Authorization systems for corporate applications protecting sensitive data

Designed and maintained Authorization controls for cloud-based services

Managed Authorization and Access Control policies for 5000+ users across multiple departments

Upgraded legacy Authorization frameworks to meet modern security standards

Typical job title: "Information Security Engineers"

Also try searching for:

Security Engineer Information Security Analyst Access Control Specialist Identity and Access Management Specialist Security Architect IAM Engineer Security Administrator

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you design an authorization system for a large company with multiple departments and varying levels of data sensitivity?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that discuss creating different access levels, considering business needs, implementing the principle of least privilege, and having processes for regular access reviews and updates.

Q: How do you handle emergency access situations while maintaining security?

Expected Answer: Candidate should mention break-glass procedures, temporary elevated access protocols, audit logging, and post-incident review processes.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between role-based and attribute-based access control?

Expected Answer: Should explain that role-based assigns permissions based on job titles/roles, while attribute-based uses multiple factors like time, location, and user characteristics to determine access.

Q: How do you ensure proper authorization when integrating multiple systems?

Expected Answer: Should discuss mapping permissions across systems, maintaining consistent access policies, and ensuring secure communication between systems.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the principle of least privilege?

Expected Answer: Should explain that users should only have access to what they need for their job, nothing more, to minimize security risks.

Q: What's the difference between authentication and authorization?

Expected Answer: Should explain that authentication verifies who someone is (like checking ID), while authorization determines what they're allowed to do (like checking what rooms they can enter).

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of access control concepts
  • Ability to implement simple permission systems
  • Knowledge of security best practices
  • Basic troubleshooting of access issues

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Implementation of complex authorization systems
  • Integration of multiple security systems
  • Policy development and enforcement
  • Security audit participation

Senior (5+ years)

  • Enterprise-wide authorization strategy
  • Security architecture design
  • Risk assessment and mitigation
  • Team leadership and policy making

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic security principles
  • Confusion between authentication and authorization
  • Lack of experience with access control frameworks
  • No understanding of compliance requirements
  • Unable to explain principle of least privilege