Cybersecurity
Availability
Definition
Availability is a component of the CIA Triad. For any information system to serve its purpose, the information must be available when it is needed. This means that the computing systems used to store and process the information, the security controls used to protect it, and the communication channels used to access it must be functioning correctly.
Why It Matters
If users cannot access a system or its data, it is useless. High availability is crucial for business continuity and user satisfaction.
Contextual Example
A Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack is a direct attack on availability. By overwhelming a server with traffic, it makes the service unavailable to legitimate users. Building redundant systems is a key strategy for ensuring high availability.
Common Misunderstandings
- Availability is about ensuring timely and reliable access to data and services.
- It is the "A" in the CIA Triad.