https://DevOpsCloud.io -- Cloud Monk Losang Jinpa, Ph.D., MCSE/MCT, GitOps DevOps Engineer

Mandatory Access Control (MAC) is a security model in which access to resources is governed by predefined policies and rules established by an administrator. Unlike other access control models, MAC enforces strict rules that cannot be modified by users, providing a high level of security and control over access.

• Policy Enforcement: In MAC, access decisions are based on predefined policies set by administrators. These policies typically define who can access which resources and under what conditions, ensuring that access is consistent with the organization's security requirements.
• Labeling and Classification: Resources and users are assigned security labels or classifications. Access decisions are based on these labels, which often include sensitivity levels or security categories. For example, a file labeled as “Top Secret” might only be accessible to users with the corresponding clearance level.
• No User Control: Users cannot alter or override access permissions in MAC. This strict control reduces the risk of unauthorized access due to user errors or malicious actions.

• Government and Military: MAC is commonly used in environments that require stringent security measures, such as government and military institutions. The model helps protect sensitive information by ensuring that only authorized personnel can access classified data.
• High-Security Systems: In high-security environments where data integrity and confidentiality are paramount, MAC provides a robust framework for controlling access to critical resources and minimizing security risks.

• Complexity and Flexibility: Implementing MAC can be complex due to the need for detailed policies and the management of security labels. While it offers strong security, the model may lack flexibility compared to other access control models like Discretionary Access Control (DAC).
• Administrative Overhead: The need for detailed policy definitions and constant monitoring can result in significant administrative overhead. Organizations must balance the benefits of stringent access controls with the resource requirements for managing and maintaining the system.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandatory_access_control
• https://www.techopedia.com/definition/25777/mandatory-access-control-mac
• https://www.csoonline.com/article/319269/what-is-mandatory-access-control-mac-and-how-does-it-work.html