Principles of Information Security

methodology

A formal approach to solving a problem based on a structured sequence of procedures.

McCumber Cube

A graphical representation of the architectural approach widely used in computer and information security; commonly shown as a cube composed of 3x3x3 cells, similar to a Rubik's Cube. AIC -> Storage, Processing, Transmission

community of interest

A group of individuals who are united by similar interests or values within an organization and who share a common goal of helping the organization to meet its objectives.

bottom-up approach

A method of establishing security policies and/or practices that begins as a grassroots effort in which systems administrators attempt to improve the security of their systems.

software assurance

A methodological approach to the development of software that seeks to build security into the development life cycle rather than address it at later stages. SA attempts to intentionally create software free of vulnerabilities and provide effective, efficient software that users can deploy with confidence.

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

A methodology for the design and implementation of an information system. The SDLC contains different phases depending on the methodology deployed, but generally the phases address the investigation, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of an information system.

top-down approach

A methodology of establishing security policies and/or practices that is initiated by upper management.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

A set of information that could uniquely identify an individual.

project team

A small functional team of people who are experienced in one or multiple facets of the required technical and nontechnical areas for the project to which they are assigned.

security

A state of being secure and free from danger or harm. Also, the actions taken to make someone or something secure.

network security

A subset of communications security; the protection of voice and data networking components, connections, and content.

waterfall model

A type of SDLC in which each phase of the process "flows from" the information gained in the previous phase, with multiple opportunities to return to previous phases and make adjustments.

utility

An attribute of information that describes how data has value or usefulness for an end purpose.

availability

An attribute of information that describes how data is accessible and correctly formatted for use without interference or obstruction.

accuracy

An attribute of information that describes how data is free of errors and has the value that the user expects

authenticity

An attribute of information that describes how data is genuine or original rather than reproduced or fabricated.

confidentiality

An attribute of information that describes how data is protected from disclosure or exposure to unauthorized individuals or system

integrity

An attribute of information that describes how data is whole, complete, and uncorrupted.

possession

An attribute of information that describes how the data's ownership or control is legitimate or authorized.

chief information officer

An executive-level position that oversees the organization's computing technology and strives to create efficiency in the processing and access of the organization's information.

computer security

In the early days of computers, this term specified the need to secure the physical location of computer technology from outside threats. This term later came to represent all actions taken to preserve computer systems from losses. It has evolved into the current concept of information security as the scope of protecting information in an organization has expanded.

data owners

Individuals who control, and are therefore responsible for, the security and use of a particular set of information; data owners may rely on custodians for the practical aspects of protecting their information, specifying which users are authorized to access it, but they are ultimately responsible for it.

data custodians

Individuals who work directly with data owners and are responsible for storage, maintenance, and protection of information.

data users

Internal and external stakeholders (customers, suppliers, and employees) who interact with information in support of their organization's planning and operations.

information security

Protection of the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets, whether in storage, processing, or transmission, via the application of policy, education, training and awareness, and technology.

information system

The entire set of software, hardware, data, people, procedures, and networks that enable the use of information resources in the organization.

CIA Triad

The industry standard for computer security since the development of the mainframe. The standard is based on three characteristics that describe the utility of information: confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

communications security

The protection of all communications media, technology, and content.

physical security

The protection of physical items, objects, or areas from unauthorized access and misuse.

chief information security officer

Typically considered the top information security officer in an organization. The CISO is usually not an executive-level position, and frequently the person in this role reports to the CIO.