Which of these are characteristics of secure communication?

Secure communication encompasses several key characteristics, all of which work together to ensure that information is transmitted safely and remains protected from unauthorized access and alteration.

Confidentiality ensures that the information being communicated is accessible only to those who are authorized to view it. This is typically achieved through encryption methods, which transform the original data into a format that cannot be understood without the proper decryption key.

Data integrity involves maintaining the accuracy and consistency of the data over its entire lifecycle. This means that the information should not be altered in transit without detection. Techniques such as hashing can verify that the data received is the same as the data sent, effectively providing assurance against tampering.

Authentication is the process of verifying the identities of the parties involved in the communication. It ensures that the parties are who they claim to be, thus preventing impersonation and ensuring that the data being exchanged is indeed from a trusted source.

Together, these characteristics form a comprehensive framework for secure communication. Therefore, the answer indicates that all of these attributes—confidentiality, data integrity, and authentication—are integral to creating a secure communication environment.