What does authenticity in information security refer to?

Authenticity in information security is fundamentally about ensuring that data and information sources are legitimate and trustworthy. This means confirming that the data has not been altered in a way that could mislead or misinform users. Authenticity ensures that users can verify the identity of the entities they are communicating with and the integrity of the data being exchanged.

In the context of information sharing, authenticity prevents impersonation and deceptive practices, solidifying the trust required for secure transactions and communications. By ensuring the legitimacy of data sources, organizations can safeguard their systems against various forms of attack that may seek to exploit false information.

The other options relate to different aspects of information security: preventing unauthorized access pertains to confidentiality, ensuring data availability refers to the principle of availability during attacks, and allowing unrestricted data sharing challenges security protocols by potentially compromising confidentiality and integrity.