10 rules to successful policy authoring
Learn the ten key rules to successful policy authoring when implementing authorization policies to meet your organizational needs.
Policies are the backbone of any organization’s access control and security framework. They define how sensitive information is accessed, who has the rights to perform specific actions, and under what circumstances these actions are permitted. Yet, crafting effective policies isn’t merely about setting rules — it’s about creating a clear, enforceable, and adaptable framework that aligns with organizational goals and user needs.
Successful policy authoring requires a thoughtful balance of technical precision and practical usability. Whether you’re addressing compliance requirements, enhancing security, or improving operational efficiency, the right approach can mean the difference between a policy that empowers and one that obstructs.
In this article, we’ll walk you through ten rules to successful policy authoring, offering insights and best practices to guide you through the process. From engaging stakeholders to documenting relentlessly, these principles will help you craft policies that are not only robust and secure but also user-friendly and future-proof.
1. Engage the right stakeholders and define the requirements
Policy authoring should begin with the right people involved. Identifying and engaging key stakeholders ensures that the policy aligns with organizational goals and covers all necessary perspectives. Stakeholders can include department heads, compliance officers, IT security experts, and end-users. Conduct thorough requirements gathering sessions to understand the needs and constraints of different groups. This inclusive approach ensures that the policy is comprehensive and has the necessary buy-in for effective implementation.
2. Think plain old English
When drafting policies, clarity is paramount. Using plain English avoids misunderstandings and ensures that everyone, regardless of their technical expertise, can comprehend the policies. Avoid jargon, technical terms, and complex sentences. Use simple, direct language to convey your message. This approach not only enhances understanding but also ensures compliance, as users are more likely to follow a policy they clearly understand.
Bonus: When forming the authorization requirements, it is important to not do a role engineering exercise – writing policies requires a different thought process when compared to roles.
3. Start small, think big
Begin by addressing the most critical elements of the policy. This approach helps prevent the task from becoming overwhelming and allows for manageable incremental improvements. The principle “don’t boil the ocean” is key here; focus on immediate, achievable goals and expand the policy over time as needed. Starting small enables you to refine your approach and ensure each part of the policy is robust before adding more complexity.
4. Think about the default use case – The access baseline
Establishing a default access baseline sets clear expectations for what is generally allowed. This baseline acts as a foundation upon which exceptions and additional permissions are built.
For example:
- Teachers can view students’ grades.
- Students can view their own grades.
Having a well-defined access baseline simplifies the management of permissions and helps prevent unauthorized access. It also makes it easier to handle exceptions, as they are clearly deviations from the norm.
5. Identify key, natural attributes
Using natural, straightforward attributes when defining roles and permissions simplifies policy management. Instead of complex identifiers like role=”student_SD1_class1″, use simple and clear attributes like role=”student”. This not only enhances readability but also makes the policy easier to manage and maintain. Natural attributes help in creating a more intuitive and user-friendly policy framework.
6. Spell things out
Avoid using shortcuts, abbreviations, or codes that could lead to misinterpretations. Use full, descriptive terms to ensure clarity. For instance:
- Good: teacher
- Bad: Tchr
Spelling things out prevents confusion and ensures that everyone understands the terms used in the policy. This practice is particularly important in an environment where users with varying levels of expertise need to adhere to the policy.
7. Split the pie (divide and conquer)
Dividing the workload and use cases into smaller, manageable parts makes the policy authoring process more efficient. This approach allows different team members to focus on specific areas, ensuring thorough coverage and detailed attention. Breaking down the task also facilitates iterative improvements and focused reviews. By tackling the policy in sections, you can ensure each part is comprehensive and cohesive before moving on to the next.
8. Define tests up-front (similar to TDD)
Defining how the policy will be tested from the beginning is crucial. Just like test-driven development (TDD) in software engineering, having clear testing criteria ensures that the policy meets its intended goals and functions correctly. Establish tests for different scenarios to validate that the policy works as expected and addresses all potential edge cases. Regular testing and validation are essential for maintaining a robust policy framework.
9. Define access review requirements
Regular access reviews are vital for maintaining the integrity of the policy. Define who will conduct these reviews, how often they will occur, and the criteria for the reviews. Access reviews help identify and rectify any inconsistencies or unauthorized access, ensuring that the policy remains effective and relevant. Regular reviews also provide an opportunity to update the policy in response to changing organizational needs or security threats.
10. Document relentlessly
Thorough documentation is the backbone of successful policy authoring. Document every step of the process, including stakeholder discussions, requirements, decisions, and changes. Comprehensive documentation ensures that the policy is transparent, traceable, and easily auditable. It also provides a valuable reference for future policy updates and helps maintain consistency over time.
Conclusion
Successful policy authoring requires a structured and methodical approach, clear communication, and continuous improvement. By following these ten rules, you can create effective policies that meet organizational needs, ensure compliance, and enhance security.
Remember, the goal is to craft policies that are not only enforceable but also understandable and manageable. By engaging stakeholders, using clear language, and thoroughly documenting the process, you can create a robust policy framework that supports your organization’s goals.
Want to learn more? Watch our webinar where we went ABAC to School to explore policy modeling and the foundational principles of policy-based access control.
Some additional resources that look at this topic, include:
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About David Brossard
As Chief Technology Officer, David has experience leading the design and development of Salesforce’s identity offering including customer identity and access management (CIAM). He is a founding member of IDPro, a co-author of the OASIS XACML standard, and an expert on standard-based authorization as part of an overall IAM implementation.
