Security Fundamentals

Overview

Security fundamentals form the foundation of all cybersecurity practices. Understanding these core principles helps organizations build robust security programs and protect critical assets from evolving threats.

Core Concepts

CIA Triad

The CIA triad represents the three fundamental principles of information security:

• Confidentiality: Ensuring data is accessible only to authorized parties
• Integrity: Maintaining data accuracy and trustworthiness
• Availability: Ensuring systems and data are available when needed

Example: CIA in Banking

A bank's online system demonstrates the CIA triad:

• Confidentiality: Encryption of customer data
• Integrity: Transaction verification systems
• Availability: Redundant systems and backups

Pro Tip

Always evaluate security controls against all three CIA principles.

Authentication and Authorization

Authentication verifies identity, while authorization controls access rights.

Aspect	Authentication	Authorization
Purpose	Proves identity	Controls access
Methods	Passwords, biometrics	ACLs, RBAC
Timing	Before access	After authentication

Common Implementation Methods

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

   • Something you know (password)
   • Something you have (token)
   • Something you are (biometric)

2. Access Control Models

   • Discretionary (DAC)
   • Mandatory (MAC)
   • Role-based (RBAC)

Important

Never rely on single-factor authentication for critical systems.

Threat Modeling

Add content about identifying and analyzing security threats

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