Question

How is the view mechanism used as an authorization mechanism?

Short answer

The view mechanism offers an additional layer of authority on top of the usual database access controls. By creating a view on the table and providing access to users on the view rather than the table, we can limit what the user can see. Permissions can be granted on views, providing control over what data can be viewed, inserted, updated or deleted. This ensures the base tables remain protected and with granular control.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the View Mechanism

The view mechanism in a database is essentially a stored query or a virtual table, which is based on the result-set of an SQL statement. It consists of rows and columns, just like any actual table. The fields in a view are the columns from one or more tables in the database. As a virtual table, a view does not physically exist. It is a set of references to data from other tables.

Understanding Authentication and Authorization

Authentication is the process of identifying an individual, usually based on a username and password. Authorization happens after successful authentication; it is the process of granting or denying access rights to database resources.

Usage of Views for Authorization

Views can restrict the user’s access to the data because the view can include specific columns from the table. The users can only view the specified columns not the entire table. Moreover, restrictions can be added on the rows from the base table that can appear in the View, thereby ensuring more grained control. This way, views serve as an authorization mechanism in databases. We can grant permissions, like SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, on Views, while keeping the base tables protected.

Key concepts

View Mechanism

In database systems, a view is a handy feature. Imagine it as a virtual table; it's like a saved query. It pulls rows and columns from one or more actual tables. This means a view doesn't take up physical space like a real table but still lets users access needed data.

Why create a view? Because it's great for security. By designing a view, database administrators decide exactly which data users can see. For instance, if a table has both sensitive and non-sensitive columns, a view can display only the non-sensitive data. Users see just what they're allowed to, keeping everything controlled and safe.

Moreover, views can be configured to permit or restrict changes. For example, the database might allow users to read certain data in a view but not alter it, further enhancing security.

SQL Authentication

When it comes to database security, SQL authentication is a vital component. Think of authentication as the database's way to check who you are. It's often done using a username and password. Just like logging into your favorite social media account, you need to prove your identity before accessing a database.

Once the system confirms you're who you claim to be, you're 'authenticated.' This step is crucial because it decides if you can even get in. Without correct login information, access to the database is denied, safeguarding the data from unauthorized individuals.

Authentication plays a key role in the broader context of database security. It sets the stage for what happens next: authorization, which determines what you can do once you're inside.

Access Control

Access control is about deciding who can see or change data within a database once they're inside. After a user is authenticated (checked for their identity), access control rules decide what actions they can take. This is what keeps sensitive data safe from unwanted eyes or modifications.

There are many ways to implement access control. Administrators can grant permissions like SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE. This means they can specify if certain users just view data or if they can also make changes.

• Fine-Grained Access: For more precise control, access can be limited to specific columns or rows. This is often done using views. For example, an employee might see only their department's sales data, not the entire company's.
• Role-Based Control: Users might be assigned roles such as 'admin' or 'user.' Each role comes with pre-set permissions, easing the management of who can do what within the database.

By carefully controlling who gets to do what, access control helps maintain data integrity and confidentiality, making sure database systems are both functional and secure.