What is the security information systems? And how can you secure yourself digitally?
Overview
Today, more and more people and businesses rely on computers and other digital devices. Because of that, they are being attacked more by criminals.
Security Information Systems refers to protecting information in networks, computers, and users. Without this, you will not have the confidence to use your computers.
Moreover, the threats in security information systems are getting stronger. It can also come in different types and ways. Such as:
- data theft
- database hack
- malware installation
- phishing
Thus, good security information systems are what you need. But how can you protect your information?
The Security Information Systems Triad
All businesses, companies, and individuals should follow the CIA triad. The Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality means keeping your data secret. It involves limiting access. Only those who are allowed should see the information.
Integrity
Integrity means keeping your data correct. It involves keeping its validity, free from false data.
Availability
Availability means keeping your data running. It involves making it accessible whenever someone needs it.
Tools for Security Information Systems
There are tools available to apply the above CIA triad. Each of these is really helpful in keeping your information safe.
Authentication
You can easily identify someone if you see their face. But, what if they are sitting behind a computer? Or at the ATM? How can you be sure about their identity?
There are three factors in identifying someone:
- what a user knows
- something they have
- something they are
One example is using an ID and password. That is what a user know. But, it can easily be stolen.
Next, what is a thing that users have? It can be a key or a card. But still, it can be an issue. If it is lost or stolen, hackers can also get your identity.
Finally, what is something you are? In this case, biometrics can be used. It can be an eye-scan or a finger print.
Access Controls
The users need to be authenticated first. Next, make sure that what they can access matches their limitations.
Also, access controls let you know who can read, change, add, or delete information.
Encryption
Encryption is encoding your information. It is necessary especially if you want to transfer or store your data. Thus, you can be sure that only those allowed users can see it.
For example, if you want to share any information. Over the Internet or using a flash drive. Even if you authenticated and controlled its access, you need to encrypt it, too.
Security Information Systems: Passwords
Single-factor authentication is easy to compromise. So, you need to have good password habits.
Here are some of our favorite password security habits:
- Be creative with your passwords. Some use easy to guess passwords. Thus, hackers can easily access them. A good password needs to have at least eight characters. A combination of uppercase and lowercase, symbols, and numbers.
- Change your passwords regularly. Making a password changing a habit can be challenging. But, it is an essential part of good passwords.
- Do not give your passwords to others. The rule is, passwords should be secret. So, why would you give it away? Yet, hackers can use techniques. It can be a form of phishing attacks. So, be careful in clicking forms from unwanted emails.
