Availability
Information must be available to the right people, at the right time and in a format they can use.
Why?
Access to information is essential for us to provide education, conduct research and carry out the work of the Central Administration. If information is missing, difficult to find or cannot be used, work may be delayed or important decisions may be based on incorrect information.
By storing information in the right place, protecting it from loss and making it easy to use, you help ensure that information is available when it is needed.
Our society needs to be designed so that as many people as possible can access and use information that concerns them. This creates better conditions for knowledge, democracy and growth.
What is availability?
In SS-EN ISO/IEC 27000:2020, the term is defined as follows:
Availability: property of being accessible and usable upon demand by an authorised entity.
In Swedish information security terminology (SIS-TR 50), availability is defined as access for an authorised person at the right time.
What should I keep in mind?
- Store information where it belongs.
- Make sure that information is backed up.
- Use file formats that remain usable over time whenever possible.
- Make information easy to find, use and understand.
- Create documents and other content that can be used by as many people as possible.
How do I do this?
Store information securely.
Aim to use universal design so that information reflects the full diversity of users’ needs, abilities and characteristics. Accessible information often works better for all audiences.
Store information in the right place
Store information in the systems intended for that purpose. This makes it easier to find, share and back up.
Read more:
Make sure that information is backed up in accordance with current procedures. Avoid storing important information only locally or in locations where it could be lost. At BTH, the IT Department is responsible for backing up information stored in-house.
Read more:
Choose file formats for long-term use
Where possible, save information in file formats that can still be opened and used in the future.
Read more:
Create information that is easy to use
When creating documents and other content:
- use clear headings and a logical structure
- use plain language
- use styles instead of manual formatting
- make sure that tables are structured correctly
- use descriptive link text
- add alternative text to images when needed.
Information that is clear, well structured and easy to use is usually better for everyone.
Read more:
Further reading
The following literature and publications provide more in-depth information on information security, information management and accessible content.
- Malatji, M. (2023). Management of enterprise cyber security: A review of ISO/IEC 27001:2022. Paper presented at the 117-122.
https://doi.org/10.1109/CyMaEn57228.2023.10051114 - Stapleton, J. J. (2014). Security without obscurity: A guide to confidentiality, authentication, and integrity (1st ed.). Auerbach Publications.
https://doi.org/10.1201/b16885 External link, opens in new window. - Wångdahl, J., Lau, M., Nordström, P., Samulowitz, A., & Karlsson, L. (2017). Hälsolitteracitet – en kommunikativ utmaning för hälso- och sjukvården. Socialmedicinsk Tidskrift, 94(2), 126–135.
https://doi.org/10.62607/smt.v94i2.42104 - In Swedish
Quick links
For students
- Digital Security Opens in new window.
- Guidelines for Theses Opens in new window.
- Searching, Reviewing, and Using Information - Course in Canvas External link, opens in new window.
For Employees
- Information Security at Inside External link, opens in new window.
(only in Swedish requires logging in to the employee portal)
External information from government agencies
- European Data Protection Board (EDBP) External link, opens in new window.
- European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) External link, opens in new window.
- Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection (IMY) External link, opens in new window.
- Swedish Civil Defense and Resilience Agency (MCF) External link, opens in new window. (formerly MSB)
- The Swedish Agency for Participation (MFD) External link, opens in new window.
- Agency for Digital Government (DIGG) External link, opens in new window.
- Psychological Defense Agency (MFP) External link, opens in new window.