Xml based Sitecore security updater module

Sitecore security, oh we've had our moments. I'm not sure what it is about the security editor but not matter how many times I've used the editor it always seems to throw a new spanner in the works.

Anyways, I digress. The Security Updater is something i built to help with the pain of the security editor.

What does it do?

I find updating role security in the security editor very time consuming. Copying security from environment to environment is also quite a task especially if you don't want to package up all your content items. Granted it's not as big a problem is all your security is set at template level but sometimes we need to update security on content items too.

This module is a simple alternative in which you define your security in Xml. The module will then use the Xml to set your security. With this Xml you can easily update security on different environments (and maintain consistency between environments), you are automatically keeping a log of all your security updates and its much quicker than clicking about in the security editor. Also Copy security from role to role easily. You can also keep your security in source control.

How do i get it?

Just head to: http://marketplace.sitecore.net/en/Modules/Security_Updater.aspx

Download and install the package. You will be able to open the Security Updater from the Sitecore start menu. It will ask you for an XML file which should be in this format.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<SitecoreSecurityUpdate>
<Role name="sitecore\MyRole">
    <Rule notes="Home Item" itemid="{110D559F-DEA5-42EA-9C1C-8A5DF7E70EF9}" accessright="ItemRead" propagationtype="Entity" accesspermission="Allow"></Rule>
    <Rule notes="Home Item" itemid="{110D559F-DEA5-42EA-9C1C-8A5DF7E70EF9}" accessright="ItemWrite"  propagationtype="Descendants" accesspermission="Deny"></Rule>
    <Rule notes="Account Item" itemid="{4CA4590E-1801-4B24-841E-1F84708F7492}" accessright="ItemWrite"  propagationtype="Any" accesspermission="Allow"></Rule>
</Role> 

Click Update and your security will be set - magic! Re-use on any environment.