Introduction
The CIA Triad is a basic model of information security—the three tenets include confidentiality, integrity, and availability. These three form a conceptual foundation upon which organizations develop complete security policies and practices to safeguard information and systems (Chai, 2022; Fortinet).
Confidentiality
Confidentiality involves protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access (Chai, 2022). It includes measures such as encryption, access controls, and user authentication. Account numbers for online banking, as used by banks or making use of two-factor authentication, is a way to ensure confidentiality. Data classification and labeling of restricted information, besides access control policies, with proper training for employees in recognizing and avoiding security risks, is also a part of an organizational setup (Fortinet).
Integrity
Integrity is concerned with ensuring the accuracy and consistency of data throughout its life cycle. This can be achieved by using version control, file permissions, and checksums (Chai, 2022). Digital signatures can also be used to provide non-repudiation, meaning that actions—like logins or document access—cannot be denied. To maintain data integrity, an organization can hash data, encrypt it, use digital certificates, and rely on trusted certificate authorities to verify website authenticity (Auth0).
Availability
In addition to confidentiality and integrity, availability ensures that information is accessible to users when needed. This includes updating hardware and software, providing redundancy, and implementing failover systems alongside adequate disaster recovery plans (Chai, 2022). Factors like denial-of-service protection and sufficient bandwidth also determine availability. Availability can be enhanced by deploying redundant networks, servers, and applications, updating patches and software, and implementing strong backup and disaster recovery practices (Chai, 2022).
Differentiation of Authentication and authorization
Authentication and authorization are often used interchangeably, though they are distinct processes for securing systems (SailPoint, 2023). Authentication determines who a user is, typically preceding authorization, and can involve a password, biometrics, or multi-factor authentication (Auth0). Authorization, on the other hand, controls what an authenticated user can view or execute in a system (SailPoint, 2023). Chai notes that authentication is often managed via the OpenID Connect protocol, while authorization is usually controlled through the OAuth 2.0 framework.
Example
For instance, when an employee logs into the company’s system, they first authenticate their identity. Based on their designation, they are permitted to access certain resources. An HR manager may be allowed to see and edit personnel files, while another employee in the marketing department may not (Chai, 2022). The process of authorization controls user permissions, utilizing RBAC (role-based access control) or ABAC (attribute-based access control) methods to grant more fine-grained access (Chai, 2022). Understanding the distinction between authentication and authorization is crucial for enforcing effective security, as authentication verifies identity while authorization controls access rights (Chai, 2022). This helps organizations protect sensitive data and resources from unauthorized access and breaches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CIA Triad of confidentiality, integrity, and availability forms the backbone of modern information security practices, providing organizations with a framework to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, maintain the accuracy and reliability of information, and ensure its availability when needed. By implementing robust measures such as encryption, access controls, version control, and disaster recovery plans, businesses can safeguard their data and systems from both internal and external threats. Furthermore, understanding the critical distinction between authentication and authorization enhances system security by ensuring that only authenticated users have access to the appropriate resources based on their roles and permissions. As cyber threats continue to evolve, adhering to the principles of the CIA Triad remains crucial for maintaining organizational security and protecting valuable information assets.
References
Auth0. Authentication vs. Authorization. https://auth0.com/docs/get-started/identity-fundamentals/authentication-and-authorization
Chai, W. (2022). What is the CIA Triad? Definition, Explanation, Examples. TechTarget. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/Confidentiality-integrity-and-availability-CIA?jr=on
Fortinet. What is the CIA Triad, and Why is it important? https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/cia-triad
SailPoint. 2023. Authentication vs Authorization. https://www.sailpoint.com/identity-library/difference-between-authentication-and-authorization