What does the availability of information security mean?

With data security plays a significant role in the company's daily operations, and one of its key dimensions is usability, i.e. availability. When we talk about the availability of information security, we refer to the production's ability to use information systems and their information content as needed without interruptions.

This article explains the importance of information security availability and provides guidance on how the principle should be followed in the OT network of a manufacturing company.

Information security usability definition

The basic idea of data security usability is to ensure that users of information systems have continuous and reliable access to information. Usability is one of the three basic principles of information security, collectively called the CIA model (Confidentiality , Integrity, Availability). In terms of usability, we focus especially on the operation of systems and the availability of data warehouses.

Significant threats to usability include, for example, hardware failures, software errors, communication interruptions, and intentional attacks such as denial-of-service attacks (DDoS). To manage these threats, versatile and continuous risk management is needed.

How can the principle of availability be followed in the OT network of a production company?

The availability of production networks must be as close to 100% as possible, because they monitor or perform physical processes, in which case a break in network availability can lead to serious production disruptions or even safety risks.

Preparedness and continuity management

The most important first step is to prepare for possible disruptions. Continuity management should be at the center of all information security work. The plan should be ready for both natural disasters, technical failures and cyber attacks. This includes detailed plans for restoring critical systems after a failure or attack. Backing up should also be part of normal operations – not only for critical systems, but also for less critical ones, as restoring data can be vital in restoring the functioning of systems. The use of redundant systems, such as backup systems and mirror servers, also helps ensure continuous access to services even in critical situations.

Capacity management

The OT network must be able to handle the amount of data that passes through it. The system must be designed and built in such a way that it can handle not only the normal workload but also unexpected load spikes. For this, it is necessary to perform regular performance tests to ensure the system's ability to respond to the growing amount of data. In addition to this, the system must be designed to be scalable - it must be able to adapt to the growing load by expanding its resources if necessary.

Protection from attacks

OT networks are an attractive target for cyber-attacks, as they can be used to gain control over significant production processes. The company must therefore implement appropriate protective measures.

These may include:

• firewall or for example use of the maintained firewall service
• intrusion detection systems (IDS)
• regular information security audits that reveal potential vulnerabilities before they have time to cause problems. 

The OT network covers a very wide geographical area for certain companies, in which case special attention must be paid to the protection plan. In addition to physical protection, the remote monitoring of facilities is especially emphasized. With the help of surveillance, unauthorized visitors can be caught, even before they cause further harm.

System update and maintenance

Outdated software can cause serious security risks and interfere with usability. System updates should be regular and managed centrally. The information security instructions of the software manufacturers must also be followed and strictly followed. The company must also understand and manage its system's dependencies and their potential compatibility issues.

Personnel training

Although technology plays an important role in maintaining information security, at the end of the day, people are often the weakest link in the information security chain. Regular staff training is key to ensuring that they understand and follow information security practices. The training should cover basic information about information security, general threat images, the company's information security policies and processes, and practical instructions for information security operations. The training and the instructions it contains should be understandable and clear, so that they are understood and taken as part of daily work.

Summary

The availability of data security is not only a technical requirement, but it is necessary in terms of business continuity, legal requirements and maintaining customer trust. This is particularly important in OT networks, as their usability directly affects production processes and the company's ability to produce products or services. Adhering to the usability principle in information security requires continuous work, but it is necessary to secure the company's operations.

Frequently asked Questions

What is a data security crime?

A data security crime is an activity that violates data protection or data security principles. This can mean, for example, unauthorized access to data, its manipulation or destruction. A data security crime can occur when the user's personal information is collected, used or disclosed without the user's consent, or when the company's information systems are attacked using malware, fraud or a cyber attack. Information security crimes can cause significant harm to individuals and organizations.

What is information security?

Data security covers measures to protect data from damage, unauthorized use and data leaks. The three basic pillars of data protection are confidentiality, integrity and availability. Confidentiality means that only authorized persons can access the information. Integrity ensures that the correctness of the information remains unchanged throughout its entire life cycle. From the point of view of data protection, it is essential that these principles are understood and followed in all data processing. Each party handling information is responsible for its security and maintaining confidentiality.