What to Know About the Principles of Information Security

Consumer data allow businesses to make sound decisions, market their products, and improve their bottom line. But data are coveted by cybercriminals who continue to find new digital loopholes to exploit in order to get what they want. According to a report from Risk Based Security and Cyber Risk Analytics, there were 1,767 publicly reported data breaches in the first six months of 2021, and more than 18.8 billion records have been exposed over the past year.  

To ward off these attacks, organizations need to utilize information security, sometimes referred to as InfoSec. Information security encompasses the processes and measures used to safeguard the integrity of digital information and keep it confidential, available, and secure. If you want to work in the IT industry, you’ll need to understand the principles of information security. You can get a good foundation on information security in a B.S. in Computer Science – Information Technology program or begin to specialize in the field through a Computer and Information Systems Security degree. But either way, you’ll need to be a lifelong learner. Technology and security—and the criminals who try to infiltrate them—are always evolving. 

What Is Information Security and Why is It Important?  

Information security is one of the most important components of cybersecurity. It’s designed to protect employee, consumer, and patient data such as Social Security Numbers, credit card numbers, banking information, medical records, and contact information. These data are used by hackers to steal identities, held for ransom, or sold to third parties for a hefty sum. With specific InfoSec protocols in place, you can mitigate the unauthorized access, use, theft, or destruction of your organization’s data. There are several types of information security that cover a variety of access points:  

• Cloud-Based Security—Since the cloud is a shared environment, the need to protect sensitive data stored there is great. Cloud-based security protects all apps, data, and services in your organization’s cloud. 
• Infrastructure Security—This protects your network from hackers as well as your servers, desktop computers, and mobile devices. 
• Encryption—Data are always in danger, whether in storage, transference, or in the backup process. Encryption allows data to remain protected and confidential at all stages. 
• App Security—Apps have become more popular thanks to mobile devices, but they are also a great target for hackers. App security processes can identify weaknesses that would allow cybercriminals to wreak havoc.  
• Incident Response and Vulnerability Management—Vulnerabilities can be found in any software, web browser, or electronic device that your organization uses. It’s important to think like a hacker to try to find these vulnerabilities and patch them before the bad guys catch them. You’ll also want to have an incident response plan in place so you’ll be prepared to handle a breach should one occur.  

What Are the Principles of Information Security?  

All aspects of information security are founded on three main principles known as the CIA triad:  

• Confidentiality: To keep data safe, they must remain confidential. This means only giving access to those who need it. Passwords and authentication steps can aid in this process.  
• Integrity: Accidents can happen and sometimes even authorized users can inadvertently modify or delete data. The integrity principle means that you take steps to prevent these mishaps and have measures in place to validate the integrity of the data.  
• Availability: You don’t want the wrong people to access your data, but you do want authorized users to get to them. You’ll need to set up secure access for the appropriate users and even them train on security protocols so they can help you keep the information safe.  

How to Start a Career in Information Security 

How can you learn more about these principles? Through a computer science degree program. You’ll learn about an organization’s assets and why they need to be protected. You’ll also study computer crimes, laws, and investigations, and how to design and implement secure apps and systems. Once you earn your degree, you can start a career as an information security analyst, a security architect, or a cryptographer.  

If you’re ready to get started, contact Limestone University today. We offer computer science degrees that you can take 100% online. Stay in your current field while you prepare for the next, or advance your career with degree. Contact us to learn more.