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Policy-Based Access Control (PBAC) Training Course Outline

This training course provides a comprehensive overview of PBAC concepts and their practical application using EmpowerID. It is designed to be completed over 1-2 days, with detailed content, conceptual explanations, and hands-on labs.

Day 1: PBAC Fundamentals​

Introduction to PBAC​

  • Definition and Comparison: Define Policy-Based Access Control (PBAC) and contrast it with traditional Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). Discuss how PBAC uses dynamic policies and attributes for access control, whereas RBAC relies on static roles. [1-3]
  • Benefits of PBAC: Explain the advantages, such as fine-grained access control, improved risk management, and centralized policy administration. [2-6]
  • Real-World Use Cases: Explore scenarios where PBAC enhances security and operational efficiency. [1, 7]

Key PBAC Components​

  • Policies: Rules that define access based on user, resource, and environmental attributes. [2]
  • Attributes: Properties used in policies, like a user's department, a resource's classification, or the time of day. [1, 2, 7]
  • Policy Decision Point (PDP): The component that evaluates policies and makes access decisions. [2, 6]
  • Policy Enforcement Point (PEP): The component that enforces the decisions made by the PDP. [2]

EmpowerID's PBAC Implementation​

  • Data Model Overview: Understand how EmpowerID supports PBAC across various systems. [2, 4, 5]
  • Local Rights and Local Roles: Discuss the concept and use of these elements within EmpowerID. [4, 8]
  • Central Policy Administration: Explore EmpowerID's role in policy administration and auditing. [6]

Lab 1: Setting Up a Basic PBAC Policy in EmpowerID​

  1. Create a Test Application: Define basic rights for your application. [9, 10]
  2. Resource Type Association: Define a resource type and link it with rights. [9]
  3. Policy Creation: Set up a simple policy to grant access based on user attributes.

Day 2: Advanced PBAC Concepts and Best Practices​

Resource Scoping with Field Types​

  • Field Types Introduction: Learn how to use Field Types for fine-grained control in EmpowerID. [7, 8, 11, 12]
  • Defining and Associating Field Types: Understand how to define Field Types and link them with rights. [11-13]
  • Configuring Access Assignments: Configure access based on Field Type values. [12]
  • Person Relative Field Types: Explore the use of dynamic field types based on user attributes. [7, 14]

Approval Workflows​

  • PBAC Approval Process: Understand how approvals work in EmpowerID. [15-17]
  • Defining Approval Rights: Set up approval rights and configure routing for approvals. [15-19]
  • Split Approvals: Implement workflows that split approvals based on field type values. [20-23]

Projection and Fulfillment​

  • Concept of Projection: Learn how to extend PBAC policies to non-PBAC systems, like Azure. [24, 25]
  • Fulfillment Groups: Discuss how Fulfillment Groups bridge EmpowerID and external systems. [6, 25]
  • Azure Configuration: Set up projection and fulfillment for Azure applications. [24, 25]

Risk Management and Recertification​

  • Risk Management: Discover how EmpowerID’s PBAC implementation aids in identifying and mitigating risks. [4, 5]
  • Recertification Importance: Understand the importance of recertifying PBAC policies regularly. [6, 26]
  • EmpowerID's Recertification Features: Explore capabilities and any limitations of the EmpowerID platform. [6, 26]

Lab 2: Implementing Advanced PBAC Policies​

  1. Define Field Types: Use Field Types for precise resource scoping.
  2. Approval Workflows: Configure workflows with split approvals for fine-grained control.
  3. Azure Projection: Set up projection and fulfillment for Azure apps to extend PBAC policies.

Lab 3: Risk Assessment and Recertification Exercise​

  1. Risk Analysis: Review existing access assignments and identify potential risks.
  2. Mock Recertification: Perform a recertification exercise to review and validate user access.

Detailed Content and Labs​

The course content includes:

  • Conceptual Explanations: Diagrams and examples to clarify PBAC concepts.
  • Step-by-Step Configuration: Detailed instructions for setting up EmpowerID.
  • Hands-On Labs: Practical exercises with realistic scenarios to reinforce learning.

Note: Lab environments are pre-configured with EmpowerID and necessary resources. Lab guides include clear instructions and expected outcomes.

Additional Information​

This course outline is based on the provided information and may require consultation with EmpowerID documentation or experts for software-specific details, lab setup, and recertification policy creation.