The CIA Triad and the Difference Between Authentication & Authorization Cybersecurity is important because it keeps information safe from hackers and unauthorized access. To me, one of the most important concepts in cybersecurity is the CIA Triad, which stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. These three principles work together to protect data from being stolen, changed or made inaccessible. Another huge part of cybersecurity is authentication and authorization, which help control who can access systems and what they can or can’t do once inside. Confidentiality is about keeping sensitive information private and only letting the right people access it. For example, when you log into your online banking, you need a password or two factor authentication to prove that it is you. Encryption, strong passwords, and security training help keep data confidential. (Chai, 2022) Integrity means making sure the data stays accurate and isn’t changed by accident or by hackers. I think a good example of this is when doctors update patient records in a hospital system. If someone changes the records without permission, it could cause serious problems. It would create chaos, and someone could get the wrong medication. Cybersecurity measures like digital signatures and checksums help make sure data stays trustworthy. (Chai, 2022)
Availability means that people who are supposed to have access to information can get it when they need it. For example, if a company’s website goes down because of a
cyberattack, customers won’t be able to log in or make purchases. Businesses use backups, firewalls, and strong network protections to make sure their services stay available. (Chai, 2022.)
I think many people mix up authentication and authorization but they are actually very different. Authentication is proving who you are. For example, when you log into your social media account, you enter your username and password. The system checks if the information matches and decides if you should be allowed in. (NIST, 2023) Authorization is deciding what you are allowed to do once inside. For example, after logging in to canvas at ODU, students can see their grades, but only teachers can change them. The system checks the user’s role and gives them different permissions. (ISO/IEC 27001, 2023).
In conclusion the CIA Triad is a key part of cybersecurity that helps keep data safe and accurate. At the same time, authentication and authorization work hand and hand to control access and prevent unauthorized users from doing things they shouldn’t. I believe understanding this is important in the world we live in today where cyber threats are always evolving.
References
- Chai, W. (2022). What is the CIA Triad? Definition, Explanation, Examples.
Tech Target.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2023) Digital Identity Guidelines. NIST.gov
- ISO/IEC 27001. (2023). Information Security Management Systems.
International Organization for Standardization.
- Schneier B. (2021). Secrets and Lies: Digital Security in a Networked World.
Wiley.