A role-based access control (RBAC) policy is a security measure that assigns permissions and privileges to users based on their roles and responsibilities within an organization. RBAC helps to enforce the principle of least privilege, which states that users should only have the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks. RBAC also helps to prevent unauthorized access, modification, or misuse of sensitive data or resources by limiting the scope and impact of user actions.
A software patching policy, firewalls on the software development servers, and longer and more complex password requirements are all good security practices, but they do not directly address the issue of preventing the former software developer from modifying code. A software patching policy ensures that software is updated regularly to fix bugs and vulnerabilities, but it does not prevent a user from introducing new code changes. Firewalls on the software development servers protect the servers from external attacks, but they do not prevent a user from accessing the servers internally. Longer and more complex password requirements make it harder for attackers to guess or crack passwords, but they do not prevent a user from using their own valid credentials.
Reference
1: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) - Definition and Examples
2: Network+ (Plus) Certification | CompTIA IT Certifications
3: [What is the Principle of Least Privilege? - Definition from Techopedia]