Which element of information security ensures access is restricted to authorized users?

The concept of confidentiality in information security is primarily focused on ensuring that sensitive data is accessed only by individuals or systems that have the appropriate authorization. This means implementing measures to prevent unauthorized access to information, thereby safeguarding it from being disclosed to individuals who do not have the right to view it. Confidentiality is maintained through the use of access controls, encryption, and authentication mechanisms that verify the identity of users before granting them access to data.

In this context, confidentiality is crucial for protecting personal information, proprietary business data, and any other sensitive materials. By ensuring that access is restricted only to authorized users, organizations can prevent data breaches, identity theft, and the potential misuse of sensitive information.

While other elements such as availability, authenticity, and integrity are important in information security, they focus on different aspects: availability ensures that information and systems are accessible when needed, authenticity verifies the identity of users and systems, and integrity ensures that data is accurate and unaltered. In contrast, confidentiality specifically addresses the restriction of access based on user authorization, making it the key element related to access control.