Exploring Alternative Approaches to the CIA Triad

Overview

The CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) is foundational to cybersecurity, but other models and frameworks expand on it to address limitations and capture additional security aspects. This article explores alternative approaches and provides references for further reading.

Alternative Approaches to CIA

1. NIST Special Publication 800-33

Reference:

• Document: Stoneburner, G. Underlying technical models for information technology security, NIST Special Publication 800-33, 2001.

Summary: NIST Special Publication 800-33 expands on the CIA triad by discussing additional aspects of information security. Although this document has been superseded, the discussion in Section 2 remains highly relevant.

Key Topics (Pages 2-4):

• Expansion of the CIA Triad: Highlights other important security aspects such as non-repudiation and accountability.
• Technical Models: Discusses various models that provide a comprehensive approach to information security, including mechanisms for ensuring the integrity and availability of information.

Relevance: The expanded version of the CIA triad in this document helps in understanding a more holistic approach to information security, encompassing additional principles and technical models.

2. The Parkerian Hexad

Reference:

• Thesis: Pender-Bey, G. The Parkerian hexad: the CIA triad model expanded, 2012, pp. 4-18.

Summary: The Parkerian Hexad, proposed by Donn B. Parker, extends the CIA triad by including three additional elements: Possession or Control, Authenticity, and Utility.

Key Elements:

• Confidentiality: Protection from unauthorized disclosure.
• Integrity: Protection from unauthorized modification.
• Availability: Ensuring timely and reliable access.
• Possession or Control: Ownership or control over information.
• Authenticity: Verification that the information is genuine.
• Utility: The usefulness of the information.

Relevance: By including these additional elements, the Parkerian Hexad aims to cover aspects of information security that the traditional CIA triad might overlook. It provides a broader perspective on what constitutes comprehensive information security.

3. ISO/IEC 27000 Series

Reference:

• Standard: ISO/IEC 27000:2018 – Information technology – Security techniques – Information security management systems – Overview and vocabulary.

Summary: The ISO/IEC 27000 series provides a framework for managing information security. It includes standards and best practices for implementing and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS).

Key Topics (Clauses 4.1-4.7, Pages 11-17):

• Introduction to Security Management: Overview of security management principles and practices.
• Security Terminology: Glossary of key terms used in information security.
• Management System Requirements: Guidelines for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS.

Relevance: The ISO/IEC 27000 series is widely recognized and used globally. It offers a comprehensive guide to information security management, including aspects related to the CIA triad and beyond.

Summary

Exploring alternative approaches to the CIA triad enriches the understanding of information security. NIST Special Publication 800-33 provides an expanded view of the CIA triad, highlighting additional aspects like non-repudiation and accountability. The Parkerian Hexad further broadens the scope by adding Possession or Control, Authenticity, and Utility to the traditional CIA elements. The ISO/IEC 27000 series offers a structured approach to implementing and maintaining an ISMS, with a comprehensive glossary of security terminology.

These alternative frameworks and models address the limitations of the CIA triad and provide a more holistic approach to information security. They emphasize the importance of considering additional factors and principles to ensure a robust and comprehensive security posture.

Book References for Further Reading

1. “Information Security Management Principles” by Andy Taylor, David Alexander, Amanda Finch, and David Sutton:
   • Provides an introduction to key concepts in information security, aligning well with the foundational elements of the CIA triad.
2. “Security Risk Management: Building an Information Security Risk Management Program from the Ground Up” by Evan Wheeler:
   • Discusses risk management in information security, integrating broader principles that complement the CIA triad.
3. “Cybersecurity and Cyberwar: What Everyone Needs to Know” by P.W. Singer and Allan Friedman:
   • Offers an overview of cybersecurity concepts, including discussions on the limitations and extensions of the CIA triad.
4. “Information Security: The Complete Reference” by Mark Rhodes-Ousley:
   • Covers comprehensive information security principles and practices, including models like the Parkerian Hexad.

By exploring these resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of information security principles and how they can be expanded and applied in various contexts.