Learn more about the three principles of information security.
Information Security Today
Before anything else, let us first know the definition of ‘information security’. You might have bumped into a number of definitions for this.
But in simple terms, information security is the protection of information. The main goal is to prevent any unauthorized access from modifying, seeing, and erasing data.
The more technology advances, the harder it is to protect data. Because mostly, companies today rely on the cloud for storage. Not to mention how third-party relationships can also cause undue security harm.
Because of this and of more factors, the more crucial it gets to protect data.
Besides, information security goes a long way in a business’ reputation. In addition, failure to implement this should lead to loss of connections. And even worse, bankruptcy.
So that is why information security is a serious matter in a business platform.
The CIA Triad: Principles of Information Security
The whole information security platform consists 3 principles. This is known as the CIA Triad. Namely, confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
These three perfectly work for each other. Although all of these work towards the same goal, which is, security. But each of these three plays a pivotal role in boosting information security.
Let us learn more of them, one by one.
Confidentiality
The first principle is the core among three principles.
Confidentiality is the keeping of information away from any unauthorized access. On the other hand, confidentiality makes sure that information can only be available to people with permission grants.
For example, companies employ cryptography in ensuring confidentiality.
What is cryptography?
Cryptography is the art and science of writing and solving codes. In the information security field, it involves both encryption and decryption methods.
In addition, confidentiality is also implemented among employee responsibilities.
Do you know that employees can unknowingly disclose corporate information without proper knowledge?
This innocent mistake can cause a company millions of records.
So it is also vital to properly inform and train employees. For instance, teach them proper information security practices. Or perhaps by implementing an internal information security policy.
Integrity
Secondly, integrity.
Integrity is the upkeep of the proper state of data. If there should be crucial changes to be made, it should only be done by those in authority.
Moreover, data integrity can be compromised in both intentional and unintentional ways. Suppose a data is not erased, but it was modified. With that, also lies the threat.
Because cybercriminals can modify data and have it as an advantage to them. Perhaps the passing of any malicious content to others.
Either way it is, failing integrity can cause further information security risks to a company.
Availability
On the other hand, availability is the close principle of confidentiality.
Confidentiality ensures monitoring of access privileges. But availability ensures that access should be given to those rightful persons.
However, access should be only within a given timeframe. So access privileges should not be lasting, but rather limited.
Moreover, granting time limitations should differ from one company to another. But the point is to ensure security even among granting access.
