Which term refers to guarantees that data, communications, or documents are genuine?

• A. Authenticity
• B. Confidentiality
• C. Integrity
• D. Availability

Answer: (A)

Authenticity focuses on proving the true source and genuineness of data, messages, or documents. It answers: is this really from the claimed sender, and has it come from a trusted source without being forged? Techniques like digital signatures and certificates help verify authenticity by linking the data to a verified origin, so recipients can trust that what they receive is genuine.

Confidentiality is about keeping information secret from unauthorized parties; availability is about ensuring information and services are accessible when needed; integrity is about ensuring data hasn’t been altered. While integrity helps detect tampering, it doesn’t by itself prove who sent the data. So authenticity best fits the idea of guaranteeing genuineness.