Which security property prevents unauthorized users from gaining information about the network structure, data flowing across the network, protocols used, or packet header values?

• A. Confidentiality
• B. Integrity
• C. Availability
• D. Authentication

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality is about keeping information secret from anyone who isn’t authorized to see it. In a network, this means preventing unauthorized users from understanding the data that flows across the network, along with details about the network itself such as topology, protocols in use, and header values. Achieving confidentiality typically involves encryption and strong access controls so that even if someone can observe the traffic, they cannot interpret its contents or derive sensitive details. The other properties serve different roles: integrity protects against tampering, availability ensures access to services, and authentication verifies who is who.