What is the primary goal of information security practices?

The primary goal of information security practices is to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. This triad, often referred to as the CIA triad, represents the foundational principles that guide the development and implementation of security measures in any organization, including those within the Department of Defense.

Confidentiality involves protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access and ensuring that only those with the right permissions can view that data. Integrity refers to maintaining the accuracy and trustworthiness of information, ensuring it cannot be altered maliciously or accidentally. Availability ensures that information systems and data are accessible to authorized users when needed, which is crucial for operational effectiveness, especially in defense scenarios.

By focusing on these three pillars, information security practices can help safeguard national security interests, protect sensitive data, and support the operational readiness of the Department of Defense and its contractors. Other options, like maximizing profits for defense contractors or promoting government transparency, do not directly address the core objectives of information security and can often be seen as secondary objectives influenced by broader policies and goals.