What term refers to preventing the disclosure of data or information to unauthorized people or systems?

The term that refers to preventing the disclosure of data or information to unauthorized people or systems is confidentiality. Confidentiality is a foundational principle of information security, ensuring that sensitive information is accessed only by authorized individuals and is protected from unauthorized access and disclosure. This can be achieved through several measures, including encryption, access controls, and secure communications, which work together to maintain the privacy of data.

Integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle, ensuring that the information is not altered or tampered with by unauthorized entities. While it is essential for the overall security posture, it does not specifically address the issue of unauthorized disclosure.

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or other entity to confirm that they are who they claim to be. Although it is crucial in maintaining confidentiality, it is not synonymous with it. Authentication supports the concept of confidentiality by ensuring that only authenticated users gain access to sensitive information.

Availability ensures that data and resources are accessible to authorized users when needed. While all three—confidentiality, integrity, and availability—are important aspects of the information security triad, availability does not relate directly to the prevention of unauthorized disclosure.

Therefore, confidentiality is the term most accurately describing the goal of preventing