What cybersecurity protects

Cybersecurity protects information and the systems that hold it. Security teams often use three goals, called the CIA triad.

The CIA triad

• Confidentiality: only the right people can see information.
• Integrity: information is accurate and hasn't been changed without permission.
• Availability: systems and data are there when people need them.

Common threats

• Phishing: fake messages that trick people into giving up passwords or clicking harmful links.
• Malware: harmful software, including ransomware, which locks files and demands payment.
• Weak or reused passwords that attackers can guess or steal.
• Unpatched software with known security holes.

Tribal governments, clinics, and casinos are real targets, which is why Native cybersecurity professionals are needed in our own communities.