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).
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:
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.
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.
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).