Which concept refers to protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information?

The concept that refers to protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information is information security. This framework is crucial in safeguarding sensitive data from unauthorized access, ensuring that the data remains accurate and trustworthy, and guaranteeing that it is available when needed by authorized users. The three core principles, often abbreviated as the CIA triad, form the foundation of a robust security posture.

Confidentiality involves preventing unauthorized users from accessing information. Integrity ensures that the data remains unaltered during transmission or storage, affirming its accuracy and reliability. Availability denotes that information must be accessible to authorized individuals when required without disruption. This holistic approach encompasses various security measures, including physical security, access controls, encryption, and regular audits to maintain a secure environment for data management.

In contrast, data management primarily focuses on the processes of storing, organizing, and maintaining data, rather than the security aspects of that data. Network architecture pertains to the design and structure of a network, emphasizing how networks interconnect and communicate, while system analysis entails evaluating a system to improve efficiency and effectiveness, without directly addressing the security of the information it processes.