Information security (or InfoSec for short) is a comprehensive concept by which companies establish measures to protect their information. The goal is to prevent unauthorized access to confidential information. This includes technological security precautions as well as organizational policies and staff training. Information security is a dynamic field that continuously evolves and considers both technological and human factors.
Protection goals of information security
A central element of information security are the three protection goals:
- Confidentiality
- Integrity
- Availability
Confidentiality ensures that only authorized individuals have access to information. Integrity means that information is protected against unauthorized changes. Availability guarantees that information is always accessible and can be restored in case of problems. These protection goals of information security help to secure confidential data that is invaluable to companies.
Classification
The importance of information security is increasing with the rapid growth of global data volume. Companies face a variety of threats, from cyber attacks to physical dangers such as fire or flooding. By implementing effective security measures, companies can avoid financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences. Furthermore, the increase in remote work and mobile work enlarges the attack surface, requiring additional security precautions. The protection of information is crucial to secure business processes and innovations and to maintain competitive advantages.