Data availability definition

Data availability refers to a system’s or app’s ability to share data with end users any time they need it and to the location they request. It ensures the data is accessible and eliminates interruptions and delays in data access. Data availability is a key aspect of data management strategies because it ensures that data is available to support business operations, decision-making, and analysis. Although data availability itself is not a security threat, hackers also target it and try to find any vulnerability they can exploit and gain unauthorized access. Each vulnerability, like a human error, hardware failure, or software downtime, can make it easier for attackers to employ malicious codes in the data and endanger sensitive information, such as users’ login credentials, financial data, and bank accounts.

See also: data backup, virtual host

Preventing data availability threats

• Failover. This method automatically gives control to another system when there is a hardware failure, which doesn’t leave data unprotected and exposed to malicious activities.
• Virtualization. Hackers can’t gain unauthorized access to virtual servers as easily because they often include advanced security measures, such as encryption, remote access, and authentication methods.
• Data monitoring. Monitoring the data helps organizations detect any potential security risks, so they can immediately respond to and conduct security measures that will eliminate any potential threat.
• Off-site backups. This method will secure user data by transporting it to a remote server that attackers can’t access without the proper login credentials.

Further reading