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Why are security and information assurance important for protecting data and privacy?
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computer science
Programmers may use computer science to design portable computers such as laptops.
In computer science, security and information assurance are essential for protecting data and privacy because they safeguard information systems against theft, unauthorized access, and malicious interference.12
These practices are organized around the CIA triad, a fundamental framework for computer security:
- Confidentiality: Ensures sensitive information is protected from unauthorized disclosure, which is vital for maintaining individual privacy and national security.132
- Integrity: Guarantees that data remains accurate, complete, and free from external tampering or malicious modification.32
- Availability: Ensures that systems and data remain accessible to authorized users when needed.32
Protecting these elements is a moral imperative, as it upholds the rights of individuals to privacy and ensures the reliability of critical digital infrastructure. To achieve this, experts employ technical safeguards—such as cryptography, encryption, firewalls, and authentication systems—to defend against threats like malware, computer viruses, and Trojan horses.12