What is the primary function of Role-based Access Control (RBAC)?

The primary function of Role-based Access Control (RBAC) is to assign permissions to roles rather than to individual users directly. This approach simplifies management of user permissions, as users are associated with roles that have predefined access rights based on their job functions or responsibilities within an organization. By assigning permissions to roles, it becomes easier to ensure that users have the appropriate access needed for their tasks while also allowing for consistent enforcement of security policies.

For instance, in an organization, a role such as "HR Manager" might have access to sensitive employee information, while a role like "Intern" may only have access to non-sensitive resources. When a user is assigned the "HR Manager" role, they inherit all the permissions associated with that role, streamlining access management as roles can be modified or updated independently of user assignments.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the fundamental purpose of RBAC. Granting access based on individual needs does not leverage the efficiency and control offered by predefined roles. Limiting access to administrative users only is too restrictive and does not encompass the broader functionality of RBAC, which is designed to cater to various roles throughout an organization. Similarly, providing all users with the same level of access contradicts the very essence of RBAC