BLUF: This paper provides a description of the CIA Triad, as well as the difference between Authentication and Authorization.

CIA

The Triad is made up of three components. Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality means the protection of information from unauthorized access. This includes addresses, passwords, credit cards, and other personal information.

Integrity

Integrity is the protection of information from unauthorized disclosure or destruction. This could be the illegal modification of a blueprint before it reaches it’s final destination.

Availability

Availability means ensuring timely and consistent access to information. This could include maintaining open access to online services.

Authentication vs Authorization

Authentication is the verification of your identity. Authorization is whether you have access to certain information or not.

Conclusion

Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability are all important for safeguarding information. These cannot be achieved without proper Authentication and Authorization of personnel.

References

Duvall, T. (2026, February 17). 200T Mod 02C – The CIA triad and other cybersecurity fundamentals_Duvall [Google Slides]