What Is the CIA Triad?

CIA is an acronym for confidentiality, integrity and availability. Confidentiality assures information is accessible only by authorized parties; integrity makes sure information is reliable; and availability ensures data is readily accessible to the organization as it works to address its business requirements. Confidentiality is generally regarded as the most critical component of the triad. In the event of a breach, the leaking of an organization’s data can pose a tremendous threat to the company’s reputation.