What is the primary role of security in information systems?

The primary role of security in information systems is to protect data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. This triad is crucial for ensuring that sensitive information remains secure from unauthorized access, is reliable and trustworthy for users, and is available to authorized users when needed.

Data integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle. Ensuring that data is not altered or destroyed by unauthorized users maintains its trustworthiness. Confidentiality protects sensitive information from being disclosed to unauthorized individuals, ensuring that personal and business information remains private. Availability ensures that data systems are accessible and operational when users need them, which is essential for organizations that rely heavily on information systems for their operations.

Other choices reflect important aspects of management in information systems but do not specifically address the core function of security. Enhancing system performance, streamlining user access, and reducing the cost of data management are all valid goals for an organization, but they do not capture the essence of what security aims to achieve within information systems.