Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) Practice Test

Confidentiality is the term that best describes the maintenance of secrecy and privacy of data. It involves ensuring that sensitive information is only accessible to authorized individuals and is protected from unauthorized access or disclosure. Maintaining confidentiality is crucial in various contexts, such as in legal, medical, and financial sectors, where the misuse of sensitive data can lead to significant harm or violation of regulations.

Confidentiality encompasses practices such as encryption, access controls, and data masking to safeguard information. This concept is foundational in information security as it directly relates to the ethical and legal obligations to protect personal and sensitive data.

Other terms, while relevant in the broader context of data security, have different focuses. Integrity refers to the accuracy and reliability of data, ensuring that it is not altered or tampered with. Availability pertains to ensuring that data and systems are accessible when needed. Authentication involves verifying the identity of users to confirm their legitimacy in accessing information or systems. Therefore, confidentiality stands out as the most fitting term related specifically to the secrecy and privacy of data.