8.1 Security Concepts Explained

1. Confidentiality

Confidentiality ensures that sensitive information is accessible only to those authorized to view it. This is typically achieved through encryption, access controls, and secure communication protocols.

Example: Think of confidentiality as a locked diary. Just as a diary is accessible only to its owner, confidential information is accessible only to authorized individuals.

2. Integrity

Integrity ensures that data remains accurate and unaltered. This is maintained through checksums, hashing algorithms, and access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications.

Example: Consider integrity as a sealed package. Just as a sealed package ensures that its contents have not been tampered with, data integrity ensures that information has not been altered.

3. Availability

Availability ensures that systems, data, and resources are accessible when needed. This is achieved through redundancy, failover mechanisms, and regular maintenance.

Example: Think of availability as a reliable public transportation system. Just as a reliable system ensures that buses run on time, availability ensures that systems are operational when needed.

4. Authentication

Authentication verifies the identity of users or systems. This is typically done through passwords, biometric scans, or digital certificates.

Example: Consider authentication as showing an ID at a security checkpoint. Just as an ID verifies your identity, authentication verifies the identity of users or systems.

5. Authorization

Authorization determines what actions an authenticated user or system is allowed to perform. This is managed through access control lists (ACLs) and role-based access control (RBAC).

Example: Think of authorization as a keycard that grants access to certain areas of a building. Just as a keycard determines which areas you can access, authorization determines what actions you can perform.

6. Non-Repudiation

Non-repudiation ensures that a party cannot deny the authenticity of their signature on a document or the sending of a message. This is achieved through digital signatures and audit trails.

Example: Consider non-repudiation as a signed contract. Just as a signed contract cannot be denied by the signer, non-repudiation ensures that actions cannot be denied.

7. Security Policies

Security policies are guidelines and rules established to protect an organization's assets. These policies cover areas such as data protection, access control, and incident response.

Example: Think of security policies as traffic laws. Just as traffic laws ensure safe driving, security policies ensure the protection of organizational assets.

8. Risk Management

Risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to organizational assets. This includes risk analysis, risk assessment, and risk mitigation strategies.

Example: Consider risk management as insurance for a home. Just as insurance protects against potential risks, risk management protects organizational assets from potential threats.