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Security model

CIA Triad

A foundational Information Security model covering Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability.

Related domain: CybersecurityConcept ID: concept-cia-triad

Definition

The CIA Triad is a foundational Information Security model describing three essential properties of protected information: Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability.

Human Explanation

The CIA model helps define what must be protected and what consequences may follow from an Information Security breach.

Why it Matters

Most security requirements can be connected to one or more properties of the CIA Triad.

Conceptual Boundary

The CIA Triad does not describe every aspect of security, but it provides the foundation for most modern Information Security management systems.

Practical Perspective

Organisations may prioritise Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability differently depending on their activities.

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