What does availability ensure in information security?

Availability in information security refers to ensuring that information and resources are accessible to authorized users whenever they need them. This principle is one of the core tenets of the CIA triad in information security, which consists of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

In practice, availability measures include maintaining hardware and software, implementing redundancy, ensuring proper system configurations, and establishing contingency plans such as backups and disaster recovery procedures. The objective is to prevent interruptions in access to necessary information or services, such as during peak access times or unexpected system failures.

This focus on ensuring accessibility is crucial for organizations that rely on timely access to data for operations, decision-making, and customer service. If users cannot access the information they need due to downtime or system issues, it can lead to operational delays, financial losses, and reduced trust from customers and stakeholders.