Which term describes the technology used to maintain the confidentiality of data?

The term that describes the technology used to maintain the confidentiality of data is cryptography. Cryptography involves techniques for securing information by transforming it into an unreadable format for unauthorized users while allowing authorized users access to read and process the data. This transformation process generally uses algorithms and encryption keys to ensure that even if data is intercepted or accessed by someone without authorization, it remains undecipherable.

Cryptography plays a crucial role in securing sensitive information, such as personal data, financial records, and confidential communications, thereby protecting it from unauthorized access and breaches. In essence, cryptography ensures that only those with the appropriate keys can decode and access the original data, safeguarding its confidentiality effectively.