What does confidentiality refer to in information security?

Confidentiality in information security is fundamentally about ensuring that sensitive information is accessible only to those individuals who are authorized to access it. This principle protects personal data and confidential communications from unauthorized access and disclosure, thereby helping to maintain privacy and trust in systems that store or transmit sensitive information.

When confidentiality is upheld, it assures users that their private information remains secure from interceptors or unauthorized personnel. This is crucial in fields such as healthcare, finance, and personal communications, where maintaining the privacy of information is paramount.

Other options, while related to security concepts, do not encompass the full meaning of confidentiality. For instance, encrypting data (the first option) enhances confidentiality but is a method for achieving it rather than the definition itself. Disclosure of information upon request (the third option) directly contradicts the concept of confidentiality, as it implies that information can be accessed by any requesting party. Lastly, limiting access to physical data storage (the fourth option) pertains to physical security measures and can support confidentiality but does not define it. Ultimately, the correct focus for defining confidentiality is on the assurance that only authorized individuals have access to specific data.