What does CIA stand for in information security?

The acronym CIA in information security stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. This triad represents the foundational principles that guide the implementation and management of security measures within an organization.

Confidentiality refers to the protection of information from unauthorized access and disclosure. It ensures that sensitive data is only accessible to those who are authorized to view it. This is vital in maintaining the privacy of individuals and organizations.

Integrity involves the assurance that information is accurate, consistent, and protected from unauthorized modification. This means that data remains trustworthy and reliable, allowing organizations to make informed decisions based on that information.

Availability ensures that information and resources are accessible to authorized users when needed. This principle is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and ensuring that business processes can function without interruption.

In contrast, the other options introduce terms that do not align with the standard definitions in the field of information security. For instance, while "Accessibility" is related to availability, it does not capture the full essence of the availability principle. Other terms like "Compliance" and "Assessment" are important in cybersecurity but do not form part of the core CIA triad that is foundational in information security practices.