What does confidentiality in information security primarily protect?

Confidentiality in information security is primarily focused on protecting data from unauthorized access. This principle ensures that sensitive information is only accessible to individuals who have the appropriate permissions or clearances. By safeguarding confidentiality, organizations prevent potential breaches that could occur when unauthorized users gain access to private data, which could lead to data breaches, identity theft, or other malicious activities.

Maintaining confidentiality involves implementing various security measures, such as encryption, access controls, and user authentication protocols, which help to secure data both at rest and in transit. This focus on preventing unauthorized access is critical in preserving trust and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements surrounding data protection.