The CIA Triad is a model for information security composed of three parts:
Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Confidentiality ensure that only authorized credentials can access sensitive information. Integrity ensures that data is secured and has not been tampered with. Availability encourages organizations to constantly maintain programs to ensure that data is ready and available to those who have access to them. Considering these three principles together within the framework of the “triad” can help guide the development of security policies for organizations (Chai 1).
How the CIA Triad is Used
The CIA Triad and the three elements are used by organizations and individuals in multiple ways. To minimize human error, the principles of the CIA Triad encourage employees of an organization to be knowledgeable of effective information security methods. Organizations also have implemented multi-factor authentication (MFA) and data encryption methods to ensure only authorized individuals can access sensitive information. The CIA Triad also helps organizations develop fast recovery methods in cases where an unauthorized user or natural disaster causes damage to systems.
The Difference Between Authentications & Authorization
Authentication and authorization are two important methods of data security that works together as forms of information security. Authentication is a method a server or network uses to verify a person’s identity. Organizations, such as banks, require users to use a personal identification number (PIN) to access their information is an example of authentication. Authorization methods provide verified individuals permission to certain areas of data depending on one’s credentials. For example, an Access Control List (ACL) is a method an organization use to ensure that certain roles within a business are authorized to access certain information. Both authentication and authorization have different roles but are crucial to regulate access and protect sensitive data.
Challenges of the CIA Triad
Data security is a complex issue, and the CIA Triad can face some challenges because of how data can come from various sources and in different formats. In addition, methods used for data breaches are believed to evolve as technology evolves and some organizations may need more than just the CIA Triad as a form of data security. Instead, it should be used alongside other models and frameworks to help you establish robust processes and make effective decisions (Ledesma). Denial of service attacks (DoS), Ransomware attacks, and natural disasters are risks organizations consider when implementing the principles of the CIA Triad.
Conclusion
Organizations and data security face challenges when it comes to finding the right method of regulating access to sensitive information and protecting data. The CIA Triad is made up of three elements that are key to an organization’s knowledge of information security. When used correctly, The CIA Triad can be implemented to support different organizations and their specific means of information security.
Work Cited:
Chai, Wesley. “What Is the CIA Triad? Definition, Explanation, Examples: TechTarget.” WhatIs.com, TechTarget, 10 Feb. 2023, https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/Confidentiality-integrity-and-availabilityCIA.
Ledesma, Josue. “What Is the CIA Triad?” Varonis, Varonis, 11 July 2022,