Confidentiality¶

Confidentiality protects sensitive data from unauthorized access. It is often achieved through encryption, linking the concepts of confidentiality and encryption. Ensuring confidentiality is essential to maintaining customer trust, meeting compliance requirements, and supporting business operations.

Definition¶

Confidentiality is a core principle of information security.
It involves protecting information from unauthorized access and disclosure.
Goal: Ensure sensitive data is only accessible to authorized individuals, entities, or processes.

Importance¶

Protect Personal Privacy:
- Prevent unauthorized access to personal data (e.g. health records, financial information).
Maintain Business Advantage:
- Safeguard proprietary data to retain a competitive edge (e.g. client information, business strategies).
Achieve Regulatory Compliance:
- Many industries have regulations requiring data protection (e.g. PII, PHI).
- Failure to protect data can result in penalties and legal consequences.

Methods to Ensure Confidentiality¶

Encryption
- Converts data into code (ciphertext) to prevent unauthorized access.
- Requires a decryption key to revert data back to readable form.
- Key tool in confidentiality to secure data during storage and transmission.
Access Controls
- Sets permissions to restrict data access to authorized personnel.
- Examples: password-protected files, role-based access in databases.
Data Masking
- Hides specific parts of data while allowing the rest to remain accessible.
- Example: Masking the first 12 digits of a 16-digit credit card number, leaving only the last 4 digits visible.
Physical Security Measures
- Protects data stored physically or on digital devices.
- Examples: locking filing cabinets, securing server rooms with biometric access, using security cameras.
Training & Awareness
- Educates employees to prevent breaches due to human error, negligence, or malicious intent.
- Ongoing training on security best practices helps maintain data confidentiality.