Advances in Role-Based Access Control for Cloud-Enabled Operational Platforms

• Author(s): Ejielo Ogbuefi ; Samuel Owoade ; Bright Chibunna Ubanadu ; Andrew Ifesinachi Daraojimba ; Oyinomomo-emi Emmanuel Akpe
• Paper ID: 1708524
• Page: 159-176
• Published Date: 12-09-2020
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 4 Issue 2 August-2020

Abstract

The rapid adoption of cloud computing across industries has transformed the way operational platforms are designed, deployed, and managed. As organizations increasingly rely on cloud-enabled environments to streamline operations, enhance scalability, and ensure business continuity, the need for robust and dynamic access control mechanisms has become paramount. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) has long served as a foundational security model by assigning permissions to users based on predefined roles. However, traditional RBAC models face significant limitations in modern, cloud-native ecosystems characterized by multi-tenancy, dynamic resource provisioning, and distributed architectures. This paper presents a systematic review and critical analysis of recent advances in RBAC tailored to the demands of cloud-enabled operational platforms. We explore next-generation RBAC frameworks that integrate context-aware policies, attribute-based enhancements, and machine learning-driven access decisions to improve granularity and adaptability. Innovations such as dynamic role assignment, real-time auditing, and policy automation are discussed in the context of their contributions to reducing insider threats and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, we highlight hybrid models combining RBAC with Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) to address fine-grained access needs in cloud-native microservices architectures. The study also examines cloud service providers' implementation of RBAC—particularly in platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud—revealing the importance of scalable identity management, permission boundaries, and centralized governance in operational efficiency and cybersecurity. Emerging trends such as Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) and policy-as-code further illustrate the evolution of RBAC from static rule sets to dynamic, intelligent systems capable of adapting to evolving threat landscapes. By synthesizing academic literature, industry case studies, and platform-specific innovations, this paper offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and implementing advanced RBAC models in cloud-enabled operational environments. The insights contribute to a broader understanding of secure cloud operations and provide actionable recommendations for cybersecurity practitioners, cloud architects, and enterprise IT strategists aiming to fortify access control in complex digital infrastructures.

Keywords

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Cloud Security, Operational Platforms, Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC), Zero Trust Architecture, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Policy Automation, Cloud Computing.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Ejielo Ogbuefi , Samuel Owoade , Bright Chibunna Ubanadu , Andrew Ifesinachi Daraojimba , Oyinomomo-emi Emmanuel Akpe "Advances in Role-Based Access Control for Cloud-Enabled Operational Platforms" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 4 Issue 2 2020 Page 159-176

IEEE:
Ejielo Ogbuefi , Samuel Owoade , Bright Chibunna Ubanadu , Andrew Ifesinachi Daraojimba , Oyinomomo-emi Emmanuel Akpe "Advances in Role-Based Access Control for Cloud-Enabled Operational Platforms" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 4(2)