Which term refers to the act of spying to obtain confidential information?

The act of spying to obtain confidential information is accurately described as espionage. This term specifically refers to the secretive and often illegal activities undertaken to gather sensitive information about a government, organization, or individual. Espionage typically involves covert operations and the use of spies to collect intelligence that may have a strategic or competitive advantage.

In contrast, surveillance generally involves monitoring activities or behavior to gather information but does not necessarily imply the act of covertly acquiring secret or confidential material. Counterespionage refers to efforts taken to thwart or prevent espionage activities, often involving protective measures rather than the act of spying itself. Intelligence gathering is a broader term that encompasses various methods of collecting information, which may or may not involve espionage. Thus, espionage is the most precise term for the act of spying for confidential information.