What does "possession" in the Parkerian Hexad indicate?

In the context of the Parkerian Hexad, "possession" refers specifically to the control of data and information. This concept focuses on the actual holding or bearing of data, encompassing not just ownership but the practical ability to manage and manipulate that data. In information security, possession is crucial because it implies that an individual or entity has the capability to use data appropriately, which can include the rights to access, store, and transfer that information.

While legal ownership might influence how data is perceived in a legal context, possession emphasizes the more active aspect of having control over data. This can include having access to it, the tools to handle it, and the knowledge to use it effectively. The ability to access data remotely pertains more to the means of acquiring information, while validation of user identity is focused on authentication and ensuring that the right entities are accessing data. These concepts are important but do not capture the full scope of what possession signifies in the Parkerian Hexad.