# Biba model

> formal state transition system of computer security policy that describes a set of access control rules designed to ensure data integrity

**Wikidata**: [Q856029](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q856029)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biba_Model)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/biba-model

## Summary
The **Biba model** is a formal state transition system of computer security policy that describes a set of access control rules designed to ensure data integrity. It is a subclass of computer security models, which provide structured frameworks for enforcing security policies in computing systems.

## Key Facts
- A **formal state transition system** that enforces data integrity through access control rules.
- Part of the broader category of **computer security models**, which may be based on formal models of access rights, computation, or distributed systems—or lack theoretical grounding entirely.
- Implemented through **computer security policies** to enforce rules for data integrity.
- Related to **access control**, which restricts resource access to authorized users.
- Examples of security models include the **Bell–LaPadula model** (confidentiality), **Clark–Wilson model** (integrity policy), and the **Biba model** (data integrity).
- **FLASK (Flux Advanced Security Kernel)** is an operating system security architecture tied to security models.
- Aliases include **Biba integrity model**, **Modèle de Biba**, and **Biba模型**.
- Described in academic sources such as *Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems* (2nd edition, section 8.3.5).
- Available in multiple Wikipedia language editions (German, English, French, Italian, etc.).
- Linked to semantic topics like **computer security** and **access control models**.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of the Biba model?
A: The Biba model ensures data integrity by enforcing access control rules that prevent unauthorized modifications to sensitive information.

### Q: How does the Biba model differ from the Bell–LaPadula model?
A: While the Bell–LaPadula model focuses on confidentiality, the Biba model is specifically designed to maintain data integrity by restricting write access to prevent corruption.

### Q: Is the Biba model part of a broader security framework?
A: Yes, it is a subclass of **computer security models**, which provide formal or empirical frameworks for enforcing security policies.

### Q: How is the Biba model implemented in practice?
A: It is enforced through **computer security policies**, which define rules for access control and data integrity in computing systems.

### Q: What are some related security models?
A: Notable models include the **Clark–Wilson model** (for integrity policies) and the **Graham-Denning model** (for secure object creation and deletion).

## Why It Matters
The Biba model is essential for ensuring data integrity in systems where unauthorized modifications could lead to corruption or breaches. By formalizing access control rules, it provides a structured approach to preventing data tampering, which is critical in environments like government, military, and enterprise systems. Its influence extends to modern security architectures like **FLASK**, which rely on formal models to enforce security policies. Without such models, systems would lack consistent mechanisms for protecting data integrity, making the Biba model a foundational element in cybersecurity.

## Notable For
- **Ensuring data integrity** through formal access control rules.
- **Distinguishing itself from confidentiality-focused models** like Bell–LaPadula.
- **Being part of a broader class of computer security models** that formalize security policies.
- **Supporting integrity-focused security policies** in computing systems.
- **Influencing modern security architectures** like FLASK.

## Body
### Definition and Scope
The **Biba model** is a formal state transition system of computer security policy that describes a set of access control rules designed to ensure data integrity. It is a subclass of **computer security models**, which may be based on formal models of access rights, computation, or distributed systems—or lack theoretical grounding entirely.

### Implementation
The Biba model is implemented through **computer security policies**, which define rules for access control and data integrity. These policies restrict write access to prevent unauthorized modifications, ensuring that sensitive data remains uncorrupted.

### Key Models
- **Bell–LaPadula model**: Enforces confidentiality in government/military systems.
- **Clark–Wilson model**: Provides a foundation for integrity policies in computing systems.
- **Graham-Denning model**: Defines rules for secure object creation and deletion.
- **HRU (Harrison-Ruzzo-Ullman) model**: A general framework for access control.

### Related Concepts
- **Same-origin policy**: A web security mechanism preventing cross-origin interference.
- **FLASK (Flux Advanced Security Kernel)**: An OS security architecture influenced by security models.
- **Admission control**: Validates connections in communication systems.

### Academic and Wikipedia References
- Described in *Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems* (2nd edition, section 8.3.5).
- Available in multiple Wikipedia language editions (German, English, French, Italian, etc.).
- Linked to semantic topics like **computer security** and **access control models**.

### Aliases and Identifiers
- Also known as **Biba integrity model**, **Modèle de Biba**, and **Biba模型**.
- Linked to semantic topics like **computer security** and **access control models**.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013