What do security controls aim to protect?

Security controls are specifically designed to protect three key aspects of information: confidentiality, integrity, and availability, commonly referred to as the CIA triad.

Confidentiality ensures that sensitive information is only accessible by authorized individuals and systems, preventing unauthorized access. Integrity pertains to the accuracy and reliability of the information, ensuring that data is not altered or destroyed in an unauthorized manner. Availability focuses on ensuring that information and resources are accessible to authorized users when needed, maintaining operational continuity.

The emphasis on protecting data within the context of these three elements is fundamental to information security practices. Other choices like operational efficiency, employee productivity, and company profits do relate to an organization's overall health and effectiveness but are not the primary focus of security controls. Instead, they may be indirect benefits derived from effectively implemented security measures that protect the core data assets of the organization.