Which property of information security does encryption support?

Encryption fundamentally supports the property of confidentiality in information security. Confidentiality ensures that sensitive information is accessible only to those who are authorized to view it. By converting plain text into an unreadable format through encryption, only individuals or systems with the correct decryption keys can access the original information. This process effectively protects data from unauthorized access or disclosure, thereby maintaining its confidentiality.

Integrity refers to the accuracy and trustworthiness of information, ensuring that it has not been altered in an unauthorized manner. While encryption can contribute to integrity by helping to prevent tampering (when used in conjunction with other methods like digital signatures), its primary strength lies in safeguarding confidentiality.

Availability is concerned with ensuring that information and resources are accessible to authorized users when needed. Encryption, while it can impact availability (for instance, if the decryption keys are lost), is not primarily focused on this property.

Sustainability is not a standard property in the context of information security frameworks. It generally refers to practices that support enduring and responsible resource use, which does not directly relate to the core properties of confidentiality, integrity, and availability in information security.

Overall, encryption is a critical mechanism for ensuring that information remains confidential, making it an essential tool for protecting sensitive data and maintaining privacy.