Confidentiality is

• A. The guarding of sensitive information through rigorous measures to prevent exposure or sharing of the information with unauthorized persons. Once released, confidentiality is lost.
• B. The availability of data at all times.
• C. The integrity of data in storage.
• D. The authenticity of user identities.

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality focuses on keeping sensitive information secret and protected from unauthorized viewing. It relies on safeguards like access controls, encryption, and need-to-know policies so that only people with proper authorization can see the data. When information is released to someone not authorized, confidentiality is breached, and the data’s secrecy is compromised; while you can take steps to limit further exposure and reduce risk, the specific disclosure has already violated confidentiality. This concept is part of the broader CIA framework, contrasted with availability (having data accessible when needed) and integrity (data being accurate and unaltered), and with authenticity (verifying who someone is). The other choices describe these different ideas, not the protection of secrecy.