Knowra Computer security Computer security Computer security is the practice and study of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, disruption, or damage. It combines technical controls, operational procedures, and risk management.
Access control : Rules and mechanisms determine which subjects can access particular resources and perform particular actions. It limits system and data access to authorized identities and permissions.
Incident response : An organized process for identifying, containing, investigating, and recovering from security incidents. It coordinates action after a compromise or disruption is detected.
Confidentiality, integrity, and availability : Three core information-security goals: restricting disclosure, preserving correctness, and maintaining reliable access. These goals frame the harms computer security controls are designed to prevent.
Privacy : The ability of people or groups to control information about themselves and its use. Security protects systems and data; privacy also concerns appropriate collection and use.
Cryptography : The study and practice of securing information through mathematical techniques such as encryption and digital signatures. Encryption and authentication protect data in storage, transit, and use.
Penetration testing : An authorized assessment that simulates attacks to find exploitable weaknesses in systems. Controlled attacks test whether defenses withstand realistic techniques.
Threat model : An analysis of assets, attackers, capabilities, and attack paths relevant to a system. A threat model identifies which protections matter for a particular system.
Safety engineering : The discipline of preventing unintended harm from systems, especially through accidents and failures. Security addresses intentional adversaries, while safety focuses chiefly on hazards and mishaps.
Network firewall : A system that filters network traffic according to defined security rules. Firewalls restrict unwanted connections at network boundaries and between segments.
Vulnerability management : The ongoing process of discovering, prioritizing, and addressing security weaknesses. It turns vulnerability findings into risk-based remediation work.
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