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Computer Systems Security

Security is the degree of resistance to, or protection from, harm. It applies to any vulnerable and valuable asset.

CIA​

Computer security is about CIA:

  • Confidentiality: Keeping data hidden and protected from unauthorized disclosure.
  • Integrity: Data and programs are modified in specified and authorized ways. (meaning that they are honest)
  • Availability: Systems and networks are available for use by legitimate users.

Why computer security it hard?​

  • Security often is not a primary consideration.
  • Feature-rich systems tend to be complex.
  • Implementations are buggy.
  • Networks are more open and accessible than ever.
  • Many attacks exploit the weakest link in the chain which are humans.
  • Security is hard to test for.
  • It requires a deep understanding of all technologies involved in the design and implementation of a system.
  • Asymmetry between attack and defense.