DotNetNuke® Websites: Problem — Design — Solution

Chapter 9. Working with Security

One of the most important functions of the DNN framework to understand is roles-based security. Why? Because you have the ability to manage access to privileged content through the use of Security Roles, giving you the power to secure your content by defining permissions at the page level and at the module level. This makes it possible for some users to have access to standard content that is available to the general public, while other users have access to content that isn't available to just anyone that comes to your website.

When users register on your site, they are automatically added to the Registered Users role, which gives them access to all general content. However, after they register, they can be granted access to more secure content or website functionality by an administrator.

Sound complicated? Fortunately, just like many of the other features of DNN you've discovered throughout this book, it isn't rocket science. True, having this kind of control over the members of your website is one of the most powerful features of the DNN framework, but that doesn't mean it has to be difficult. As you will soon see, DNN provides very flexible options for configuring secure areas within your website. And if you take a systematic approach to setting up the permission levels for your site, applying them to different registered users is relatively painless.