What does the term "aggregation" refer to in software security?

In software security, "aggregation" specifically refers to the combining of non-sensitive data to create sensitive information. This process can lead to risks, as when seemingly harmless pieces of data are aggregated, they may reveal insights or sensitive information that were not apparent when considered individually. For example, multiple data points that by themselves do not reveal any sensitive information may, when aggregated, lead to personal identification or compromise privacy. This scenario highlights the importance of understanding data relationships and patterns within software security to prevent unintentional exposure of sensitive information.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of aggregation within the context of software security. For instance, simply combining sensitive data does not necessarily lead to the creation of new sensitive information, as it is already categorized as such. Data encryption and data backup serve different purposes, focusing on protecting and preserving data, rather than the methodology of combining datasets. Understanding aggregation's implications is crucial for developers and security professionals in ensuring that data handling practices do not inadvertently compromise security.