Windows Access Control
Introduction
Access control in Windows is the process of authorizing users, groups, and computers to
access resources such as files, folders, devices, and applications. It protects sensitive data,
ensures operational efficiency, and helps comply with organizational policies and security
requirements.
Key Concepts
Permissions: Define what actions a user/group can perform on an object (e.g., Read,
Write, Modify, Full Control).
Ownership: Each object has an owner who can set and change permissions.
Inheritance: Child objects inherit permissions from parent containers, simplifying
administration.
User Rights: System-level privileges assigned to users and groups, such as shutting
down a computer or logging in locally.
Object Auditing: Tracks and logs user access and permission changes for security
monitoring.
Windows Access Control Models
Model Description
Discretionary Access The resource owner sets access permissions for each user/group. Common in
Control (DAC) most Windows environments.
Mandatory Access Control Access rights are centrally managed by administrators, typically using security
(MAC) labels. Used in highly secure contexts.
Role-Based Access Control Permissions are assigned based on user roles in the organization. Makes
(RBAC) management easier and follows least privilege principle.
Attribute-Based Access Access is determined by user attributes (e.g., department, location, time).
Control (ABAC) Offers fine-grained, context-aware control.
Access Control Components
Security Identifiers (SIDs): Unique codes for users, groups, and computers. Used for
identifying security principals on the system.
Access Token: Created when a user logs on. Contains the SID and group memberships,
used to determine resource access.
Securable Objects: Objects like files, folders, processes, and registry keys that
Windows OS can secure.
Access Control Lists (ACLs):
Discretionary ACL (DACL): Specifies who is allowed or denied access and their
permissions.
System ACL (SACL): Specifies what operations are audited for security events.
Access Control Entries (ACEs): Individual entries in an ACL, each specifying a
user/group and permitted/denied actions.
Types of Securable Objects
Files and directories
Network shares
Registry keys
Processes and threads
Windows services
Named pipes, mutexes, semaphores
Implementing Access Control in Windows
Steps to Set Permissions
1. Right-click the object (file/folder), select Properties → Security tab.
2. Add users/groups and assign permissions.
3. Use the Advanced button for detailed auditing, inheritance, and owner settings.
4. Apply organizational policies through Group Policy Objects (GPOs) for consistency
across the network.
Best Practices
Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users the minimum permissions they require for
their tasks.
Use Security Groups: Assign permissions to groups rather than individuals for easier
management.
Regular Reviews: Periodically audit permissions and group memberships to avoid
privilege creep.
Enable Auditing: Monitor and log access to sensitive resources.
Avoid Deny Permissions: Prefer removing permissions over explicit denials to prevent
access conflicts.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Especially for critical or sensitive
resources.
Summary Table: Windows Access Control Overview
Feature/Concept Description
Object Ownership Owner controls and assigns permissions
Permission Inheritance Children inherit parent permissions
Core Models DAC, MAC, RBAC, ABAC
Core Components SIDs, ACLs, DACL, SACL, ACEs
Best Practices Least privilege, group management, auditing, role-based assignment
Conclusion
Windows Access Control is a foundational aspect of system security, safeguarding resources
through robust mechanisms of authentication, authorization, and auditing. By combining
access control models (DAC, RBAC, etc.) with best practices and periodic reviews,
organizations can ensure only authorized users have access to essential data and systems,
minimizing security risks
