What is meant by confidentiality in the context of communications?

In the context of communications, confidentiality refers to the assurance that only the intended recipient can read the message. This concept implies that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access and that measures are in place to ensure that communications are kept private between the involved parties.

When confidentiality is maintained, certain technologies and protocols may be employed, such as encryption, to protect the content of messages. However, the core focus is on ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to the message, which directly aligns with the idea of being intended for a specific recipient. This understanding is crucial in fields like data security and payment processing, where confidentiality plays a vital role in protecting personal and financial information.