BPA Computer Security Practice Test 2025 – The Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

The key principles of computer security are best encapsulated by the terms "Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability," collectively referred to as the CIA triad.

Confidentiality refers to the protection of data from unauthorized access, ensuring that sensitive information is kept secret and only accessible to those with the necessary permissions. This is crucial for safeguarding personal information and any data deemed sensitive by regulatory standards.

Integrity involves maintaining the accuracy and consistency of data over its entire lifecycle. This means that data should not be altered or tampered with by unauthorized entities, ensuring that the information remains reliable and trustworthy.

Availability ensures that data and resources are accessible when needed. This principle is vital for ensuring that systems function correctly and that users can access the information they require without undue delay or interruption.

While the other options address important aspects of technology and governance, they do not form the foundational pillars of computer security in the same critical way that confidentiality, integrity, and availability do. For example, accessibility and usability are important for user experience but do not inherently protect data from threats. Similarly, privacy and compliance focus on regulatory aspects rather than the core security tenets that protect information systems.