| Security attributes are abstractions representing the basic properties or characteristics of an entity (e.g., subjects and objects) with respect to safeguarding information.
These attributes are typically associated with internal data structures (e.g., records, buffers, files) within the application and are used to enable the implementation of access control and flow control policies, reflect special dissemination, handling or distribution instructions, or support other aspects of the information security policy.
Organizations define the security attributes of their data (e.g., classified, FOUO). Applications generating and/or processing data assigned these organization defined security attributes must maintain the binding of these attributes to the data when the data is transmitted.
If the application does not maintain the data security attributes when it transmits the data, there is a risk of data compromise.
The sensitivity marking or labeling of data items promotes the correct handling and protection of data. Without such notification, the user may unwittingly disclose sensitive data to unauthorized users. Security labels must be correctly maintained throughout transmission. |
