(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What term refers to a message in its natural, readable format that is vulnerable to confidentiality breaches?

1. Plaintext

2. Ciphertext

3. Encrypted text

4. Code

The correct answer is: Plaintext

The term that refers to a message in its natural, readable format is "plaintext." Plaintext is the original text before any cryptographic processes have been applied. It can be easily read and understood, which makes it susceptible to confidentiality breaches. When plaintext is transmitted or stored without any protective measures, such as encryption, it poses a security risk because unauthorized users can access its content without any special tools or knowledge. In contrast, ciphertext is the result of encrypting plaintext; it appears scrambled and unreadable to anyone who does not possess the decryption key. Encrypted text is another way of describing ciphertext, emphasizing the process of encryption that has transformed the original data into a secure format. Finally, the term "code" generally refers to a system of symbols, letters, or words used to represent information. While coding can serve a purpose in obfuscating messages, it is not synonymous with the specific concept of plaintext as it relates to vulnerabilities in confidentiality. Therefore, plaintext accurately captures the essence of the question, emphasizing the risks associated with unprotected, readable information.