What does the acronym CIA stand for in information security?

The acronym CIA stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability, representing the foundational principles of information security.

Confidentiality ensures that sensitive information is accessed only by authorized individuals, preventing unauthorized disclosure. This is crucial for protecting personal data, intellectual property, and any sensitive organizational information from potential breaches.

Integrity guarantees that the information remains accurate and trustworthy, safeguarding it from unauthorized modifications. This involves maintaining the consistency, accuracy, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle.

Availability means that information and resources are accessible when needed by authorized users. This is vital for maintaining business operations and ensuring that stakeholders can access the necessary information without interruptions.

Together, these three components create a balanced and secure environment for managing and protecting data and systems, which is essential for any organization’s overall security posture. Other options don't capture the essence of these well-established principles in information security, making them less relevant in this context.