CIA Triad


The CIA triad is a model by which you can think about and discuss security concepts.

  • Sometimes written
    • as CAI
    • in its negative: DAD (disclosure, alteration, and denial)
  • 3 principles of security control and management
  • called security services or security properties

The three primary concepts in information security are:

  • confidentiality
  • integrity
  • availability

Confidentiality

Confidentiality ensures that data is accessible only by authorized users.

  • Protects against unauthorized disclosure
  • Enforce confidentiality with access controls
  • Focuses on secrecy and privacy

Integrity

Integrity ensures data has not been tampered with and is correct, authentic, and reliable.

  • Enforce integrity with:
    • file permissions
    • user access controls
    • version control
    • redundant systems or copies
  • Focuses on reliability and accuracy

Availability

Availability ensures reliable access to data/information for authorized individuals.

  • Methods for maintaining availability:
    • rigorously maintaining all hardware
    • testing compatibility with operating systems and installed applications
    • keeping systems patched and up-to-date
  • Focuses on accessibility and uptime