Final answer:
The correct answer to the student's question is 3) intranet, which is a company's private data network used internally for secure communication and information sharing.
Step-by-step explanation:
An intranet is a company's private data network, accessible only by authorized persons inside the organization. Among the options provided, the correct answer is 3) intranet. An intranet is essentially a private version of the Internet, designed to provide a secure space for information exchange among the individuals within an institution or business. Unlike the globally accessible Internet, an intranet is restricted and often includes safeguards to protect sensitive data from outsiders. The concept can be traced back to the early stages of computer networking and has evolved significantly, with modern intranets offering sophisticated services including collaboration tools, document management, and personalized resource access for users.
Given the importance of online privacy and security, especially in light of recent large-scale data breaches at major corporations and institutions, the intranet has become an essential aspect of maintaining organizational data integrity. It allows for the management and distribution of information securely within the confines of an organization, thereby limiting the risk of exposure to cybersecurity threats.