We live in an age where information is an essential asset. We store our customers’ data, strategic plans, contracts, communications, all in digital format. And like any valuable asset, this information needs to be protected. But information security is not just about antivirus software or firewalls. It goes far beyond that.
At the heart of any effective strategy are the pillars of information security, a set of fundamental principles that guide how we protect data and ensure the smooth running of organizations.
The Three Main Pillars: The CID Model
The basis of information security rests on three central pillars, known by the acronym CID:
- Confidentiality
Information should only be accessible to those who are authorised. This protects sensitive data from unauthorised access, such as personal, financial or strategic information. - Integrity
Information must remain accurate and complete. This ensures that data has not been altered without authorisation, either by mistake or malicious action. - Availability
Information must be accessible whenever it is needed. The organisation cannot come to a standstill due to lack of access to its systems or essential documents.
These three pillars form the basis of any security policy and are directly linked to business continuity, legal compliance and customer trust.
The Complementary Pillars: Authenticity and Non-repudiation
In addition to CID, there are two other pillars that complete this structure and make security more robust:
- Authenticity
Ensures that the identity of those who access or provide information is legitimate. Prevents fraud and ensures that data comes from a reliable source. - Non-repudiation
Ensures that all actions are traceable and that no one can deny an action they have performed. It is essential for audits, legal compliance and accountability.
No organization is immune to technical failures, human error or cyber threats. However, the proper use of information technology can mitigate these risks in a concrete way, reinforcing each of the pillars through:
- Access control systems and strong authentication that increase confidentiality;
- Backup, integrity verification and encryption solutions that protect integrity and availability;
- Digital certificates and electronic signatures that ensure authenticity and accountability;
- Continuous monitoring, automatic alerts and audit logs that make incident detection and response more effective.
By combining best practices with technological tools, organizations can transform information security into a continuous process of prevention, control and response.
Protecting information is not just a technical issue, it is a strategy of trust. The pillars of information security show us that, with the right foundations, it is possible to guarantee more than just protection: it is possible to ensure continuity, reliability and reputation.
At ActiveSys, we ensure that all five pillars — Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, Authenticity and Non-Repudiation — are met, so that you can properly protect your data and systems.
Our information security experts have the knowledge and tools necessary to reduce risks and strengthen your organisation’s resilience.
Talk to us. Together we can strengthen your company’s security.