In cryptography, which term specifically refers to the protection of information from unauthorized access?

In cryptography, which term specifically refers to the protection of information from unauthorized access?

• A. Integrity
• B. Confidentiality
• C. Availability
• D. Authentication

Answer: (B)

The term that specifically refers to the protection of information from unauthorized access is confidentiality. In the context of cryptography, confidentiality ensures that sensitive information is only accessible to those who have the proper authorization to view it, effectively keeping the data private from unauthorized users. Confidentiality is achieved through various methods, including encryption, which transforms readable data into an unreadable format for anyone who does not possess the appropriate decryption key. This is critical in a wide range of scenarios, such as protecting personal information, business secrets, and other sensitive data from threats that could compromise its privacy and integrity. The other terms carry different meanings in the realm of information security. Integrity involves maintaining the accuracy and completeness of data, ensuring that it remains unaltered during storage or transmission. Availability refers to ensuring that information and resources are accessible to authorized users when needed. Authentication, on the other hand, is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system, confirming that they are who they claim to be. Each of these concepts is essential in a comprehensive security strategy, but confidentiality is the specific term that addresses unauthorized access.

The term that specifically refers to the protection of information from unauthorized access is confidentiality. In the context of cryptography, confidentiality ensures that sensitive information is only accessible to those who have the proper authorization to view it, effectively keeping the data private from unauthorized users.

Confidentiality is achieved through various methods, including encryption, which transforms readable data into an unreadable format for anyone who does not possess the appropriate decryption key. This is critical in a wide range of scenarios, such as protecting personal information, business secrets, and other sensitive data from threats that could compromise its privacy and integrity.

The other terms carry different meanings in the realm of information security. Integrity involves maintaining the accuracy and completeness of data, ensuring that it remains unaltered during storage or transmission. Availability refers to ensuring that information and resources are accessible to authorized users when needed. Authentication, on the other hand, is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system, confirming that they are who they claim to be. Each of these concepts is essential in a comprehensive security strategy, but confidentiality is the specific term that addresses unauthorized access.