(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Which concept ensures timely access to information for authorized users?

1. Integrity

2. Confidentiality

3. Availability

4. Accountability

The correct answer is: Availability

The concept that ensures timely access to information for authorized users is availability. Availability is a fundamental principle of information security that focuses on ensuring that information and resources are accessible to authorized individuals when they need them. This means that systems, applications, and data are functional and responsive, allowing users to retrieve and utilize the information without undue delay. In particular, availability involves measures to protect against disruptions to service, including hardware failures, network outages, and other incidents that could prevent access to necessary resources. This could involve implementing redundant systems, performing regular updates and maintenance, and using backup solutions to provide continuous access to essential data even in the face of unexpected issues. Understanding availability is crucial in environments where timely access to information is critical for operational efficiency and decision-making. When implemented effectively, it ensures that authorized users can obtain the information they require without significant hindrance. The other concepts, while important in their own domains, do not focus exclusively on the timely aspect of access. For instance, integrity ensures that the data remains accurate and unaltered, confidentiality protects information from unauthorized access, and accountability tracks actions and behaviors within systems. However, none of these principles address the need for timely access as directly as availability does.