What does the C stand for in the CIA triad?

C = Confidentiality — only intended recipients can read the data.

C = Confidentiality

Confidentiality ensures that only intended recipients can read the data.

How it's achieved:

• Encryption (AES, RSA)
• Access controls
• Authentication

Examples of breaches:

• Data leak
• Eavesdropping
• Unauthorized access to files

Memory tip: Confidentiality = "Keeping secrets secret" — only authorized eyes can see the data.

Go deeper:

• NIST CSRC glossary: confidentiality — authoritative definition: preserving authorized restrictions on access and disclosure.
• Information security / CIA triad (Wikipedia) — situates confidentiality within the full CIA triad.