What is the information security hierarchy? In this article, we will tackle the information security hierarchy.
Learn About Information Security Hierarchy
The information security hierarchy is a model that can be using as a framework. It is to guide decisions on where and how to have the best protection information.
So the framework consists of five levels. Therefore, what are the frameworks that consist of five levels?
The Five Levels of the Information Security Hierarchy
We can break out the information security hierarchy into five levels. They are the following:
- confidentiality
- integrity
- availability
- accountability
- audit
So the first level of information security hierarchy is confidentiality. It is the need to keep information secret.
This is to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure of information. Next, is the second level of the information security hierarchy that is integrity.
This is the need to ensure that information remains unaltered and unmodified in any way. So this often includes access controls like passwords or encryption.
Moreover, systems like digital signatures are using to maintain integrity. It makes it possible to detect if any modification takes place once data is stored on a system.
If any modification takes place, it can be detected using digital signatures. If this happens, then this will occur before the storage of data on a system.
So this will facilitate detection of a breach at an early stage before any damage. That happens to result in complete loss of data.
It follows by availability which means that systems need to be up. Moreover, running all the time for business functions to operate smoothly.
Denial of service attacks is some example where the availability of information might be compromising. The fourth level of the information security hierarchy is accountability.
It is the need to have a system of assigning responsibility. It is to deal with any data breaches that occur as a result of a cyber-attack.
So this can be done, by tracking information or who is accessing it. Moreover, identifying what they are accessing and for what purpose.
It also involves the ability to track down and prosecute any offenders. Lastly, there is the fifth level of information security hierarchy which is the audit.
So this is the need to keep records and logs for information security purposes. Now that we discuss the information security hierarchy and its five levels.
Let us also know what information security is.
Information Security
Now let us know and learn the definition of information security. So what is the definition of information security?
There are two definitions of information security. Information security is the protection of information and its assets from the following:
- unauthorized access,
- use,
- disclosure,
- disruption,
- modification,
- perusal,
- inspection,
- recording or
- destruction.
Information security is the requirement to safeguard data. Also, the information from unauthorized access or use.
This is done by implementing procedures. Moreover, processes such as securing systems and networks.
It is important to enforce policies on what can be accessed by whom. So this will ensure that access to data and information is only on a need-to-know basis.
This helps ensure that sensitive information is not disclosed to anyone who does not need it. So this includes employees within an organization or even external parties.
Moreover, organizations might have different subdivisions that deal with different types of data. They must have separate departments that deal with these types of data.
This helps ensure that people with the right expertise work on the right type of information. Also, it minimizes conflicts between individuals.
Those who deal with different types of data within an organization. This makes it easier for them to collaborate effectively.
In short, the definition of information security is to protect data from unauthorized access. Also, use through policies and procedures such as securing systems and networks, etc.
In addition, it also includes limiting access to only those who need it in a business setting. To reduce confusion and conflict.
Among users who may be dealing with similar types of data in a business environment.
