Information and Data Security Fundamentals

Computers have been instrumental to human progress for more than half a century. As these devices have become more sophisticated they have come under increasing attack from those looking to disrupt organizations using these systems. From the first boot sector virus to advanced, highly-complex, nation-state threats, the ability for an adversary to negatively impact an organization has never been greater. While the attacker has become more sophisticated, our ability to prepare for and defend against the attacker has also become very sophisticated. Throughout this book, I will discuss what it takes to establish an information security program that helps to ensure an organization is properly defended.

The first chapter will provide the reader with an overview of key concepts that will be examined throughout this book. The reader will learn the history, key concepts, components of information, and data security. Additionally, the reader will understand how these concepts should balance with business needs.

The topics covered in this chapter include the following:

• Information security challenges
• The evolution of cybercrime
• The modern role of information security:
  • IT security engineering
  • Information assurance
  • The CIA triad
• Organizational information security assessments
• Risk management
• Information security standards
• Policies
• Training