Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your Certification!

A covert channel refers to a method of transmitting information in a way that violates the established security policy of a system. This type of communication occurs outside the normal channels that are monitored and controlled by security measures. In contrast to legitimate communication channels that adhere to the organization's protocols and policies, a covert channel allows for the potential leakage of sensitive information or unauthorized access by circumventing these rules.

By violating the established security policy, covert channels undermine the confidentiality, integrity, and availability principles that are defined within that policy. The intent behind these policies is to safeguard sensitive data and ensure that communication remains secure and within authorized boundaries. When a covert channel is utilized, it indicates that there are gaps in the security controls that could lead to unauthorized access, breaches, or data exfiltration.

In terms of the other options, while encryption algorithms, integrity checks, and authentication protocols are indeed critical components of a security framework, they relate more to the mechanisms of protecting data rather than addressing the broader issue of compliance with security policies. Covert channels specifically align with the concept of bypassing established rules and frameworks that govern secure communication and data handling.