Information Assurance (IA) is a set of processes, technologies, and controls designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems. It includes security measures such as authentication, authorization, access control, encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), vulnerability scanning tools, and patch management. IA also encompasses risk assessment and management activities, such as threat modeling and incident response planning. IA helps organizations ensure that their data is secure from unauthorized access or malicious intent. It also helps them comply with industry regulations and standards for protecting sensitive data.