The Three A's of Cybersecurity
The foundation of cybersecurity relies on three critical principles known as the Three A's:
1. Authentication
Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system. This ensures that the entity attempting to access resources is who or what it claims to be. Examples include passwords, biometrics, security tokens, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
2. Authorization
Authorization determines what an authenticated user or system is allowed to do. It defines access levels and permissions, ensuring that users can only perform actions or access data appropriate for their role.
3. Accounting
Accounting (or Auditing) involves tracking user activity and maintaining logs to record who did what and when. This provides accountability, helps detect suspicious activities, and supports investigations after incidents.