What is Row-Level Security (RLS)?
Row-Level Security (RLS) is defined as a database-level security policy that controls access to specific rows in a database table based on the characteristics of the user executing a query.
Detailed Architectural Context
Row-Level Security (RLS) is a feature in relational databases like PostgreSQL. Instead of relying solely on application-level logic to filter customer records, the security policies are enforced by the database engine itself. For example, if a SaaS user from 'Tenant A' executes a query, PostgreSQL automatically appends a hidden filter checking their tenant association. RLS acts as a critical fail-safe against programming bugs that could accidentally expose client data to unauthorized users.
Related Technical Terms
Tenant Isolation
The security strategy in multi-tenant software that ensures one tenant can never access, modify, or view the data of another tenant.
Multi-Tenancy
A software architecture where a single instance of an application runs on a server and serves multiple distinct client organizations, called tenants.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
A cloud-based software licensing model where applications are hosted by a provider and accessed by users over the internet, typically via subscription.
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