CIPP/US Study Guide
Chapter 3: Introduction to Technological Aspects of Privacy

Cybersecurity Foundations: The CIA Triad

Security underpins privacy. The CIA triad - confidentiality, integrity, and availability - frames cybersecurity. A useful first approximation: privacy decides which uses are authorized, while security prevents unauthorized access.

Privacy vs security

A useful first approximation: privacy means deciding which uses of personal data are authorized, while security means preventing unauthorized access to data. Security (the CIA triad) adds protection of integrity and availability on top of the confidentiality that overlaps with privacy.

Key terms - quick answers

What is “CIA triad”?
The traditional model of computer security: confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
What is “Confidentiality”?
Protecting information from unauthorized access.
What is “Integrity”?
Ensuring data is trustworthy, complete, and not accidentally or improperly altered by an unauthorized user.
What is “Availability”?
Ensuring data is accessible when it is needed.