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Testing and managing RLS

Testing and managing Row-Level Security (RLS) in Power BI is crucial to ensure that users only have access to the data they are authorized to see. Here's how to test and manage RLS in Power BI effectively:


Testing RLS:

  1. Test with Different User Roles:

    • Sign in to Power BI Service with different user accounts representing different roles (e.g., managers, sales reps).
    • Verify that each user can only access the data they are authorized to see based on their assigned role.
  2. Test with Various Scenarios:

    • Test RLS under different scenarios to ensure that it behaves as expected.
    • Test with different combinations of filters and roles to cover all possible access scenarios.
  3. Verify Security Filters:

    • Use the "Analyze in Excel" feature to verify that security filters are applied correctly at the row level.
    • Create Excel reports connected to your dataset and test data visibility for different users.
  4. Monitor Refresh History:

    • Monitor the refresh history to ensure that security filters are being applied correctly during data refreshes.
    • Check for any refresh failures or issues that may affect data visibility for users.

Managing RLS:

  1. Regularly Review User Roles and Permissions:

    • Periodically review and update user roles and permissions to ensure that they align with organizational changes.
    • Add or remove users from roles as needed to maintain data security.
  2. Maintain Documentation:

    • Document RLS rules, user roles, and permissions to ensure that they are well-documented and understood by all stakeholders.
    • Document any changes or updates made to RLS configurations for future reference.
  3. Handle Exceptions Appropriately:

    • Handle exceptions or special cases where users require access to restricted data.
    • Use techniques such as role switching or dynamic security to provide temporary access when needed.
  4. Monitor User Activity:

    • Monitor user activity to track data access and usage patterns.
    • Use audit logs and usage metrics to identify any unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activity.
  5. Provide Training and Support:

    • Provide training and support to users to ensure that they understand how RLS works and how it affects their access to data.
    • Address any questions or concerns raised by users regarding data access and security.
  6. Stay Up to Date:

    • Stay informed about updates and best practices for managing RLS in Power BI.
    • Regularly review documentation and resources provided by Microsoft to stay up to date with the latest developments.

By following these steps, you can effectively test and manage Row-Level Security in Power BI to ensure that sensitive data remains secure and accessible only to authorized users.

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