What type of threats does confidentiality in information security protect against?

Confidentiality in information security specifically focuses on protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access and data leaks. This principle ensures that only those who have been granted appropriate permissions can view or handle the data. By implementing measures such as encryption, access controls, and authentication protocols, organizations can safeguard their data from individuals who should not have access, thus mitigating the risk of exposing confidential information.

When confidentiality is breached, unauthorized individuals can gain access to sensitive data, potentially leading to data leaks or misuse of information. This aspect of security is critical for maintaining trust and complying with regulatory requirements concerning data privacy.

In contrast, issues like data integrity relate to the accuracy and reliability of information; physical equipment theft concerns hardware security rather than data itself; and network outages are related to availability rather than the confidentiality of data. Thus, the correct answer clearly aligns with the role of confidentiality in protecting data from unauthorized access and leaks.