Edited Access: General Concept

"Edited access" generally refers to a level of permission granted to a user or group within a system (e.g., a database, file system, content management system, or application) that allows them to modify existing data or content, but with certain restrictions. The specific restrictions vary depending on the system and the access control model implemented.

• Key Characteristics:
  • Modification Allowed: Users with edited access can change existing information. This is a crucial distinction from "read-only" access.
  • Restrictions Apply: The "edited" part implies that there are limitations on what a user can edit. They might not be able to:
    • Delete data.
    • Create new data entries.
    • Modify certain critical fields.
    • Change permissions for other users.

Common Scenarios and Examples:

• Database Systems: A user might have edited access to a specific table, allowing them to update records, but not to alter the table's structure or delete records.
• File Systems: In a shared network drive, a user could have permission to edit files within a folder, but not to delete files or change folder permissions.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): An editor might be able to modify existing articles or web pages, but not to publish new content or change the website's layout.
• Software Applications: A user might be able to update certain settings or data within an application, but not to access administrative functions or modify the application's code.

Access Control Models:

The implementation of "edited access" is tied to the access control model used by the system. Common models include:

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Permissions are assigned to roles, and users are assigned to roles. "Edited access" would be defined as part of a specific role's permissions.
• Access Control Lists (ACLs): Permissions are directly associated with resources (e.g., files, data records). An ACL would specify which users or groups have "edited access" to that resource.
• Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC): Permissions are granted based on attributes of the user, the resource, and the environment. "Edited access" could be granted based on a combination of these attributes.

Why Use Edited Access?

• Data Integrity: Prevents unauthorized or accidental changes to critical data.
• Security: Limits the potential damage from compromised accounts.
• Workflow Control: Enforces specific processes for data modification.
• Compliance: Meets regulatory requirements for data security and access control.