Explain the concept of confidentiality in network security.

Explain the concept of confidentiality in network security.

Confidentiality in network security refers to the protection of sensitive information from unauthorized access or disclosure. It ensures that only authorized individuals or entities can access and view the data being transmitted over a network. This is achieved through various encryption techniques, such as symmetric or asymmetric encryption, which scramble the data in a way that it can only be deciphered by the intended recipient with the appropriate decryption key. Confidentiality is crucial in maintaining the privacy and integrity of sensitive data, such as personal information, financial records, or trade secrets, and is a fundamental aspect of network security protocols.