We explain what confidentiality is and how it is protected in computing. In addition, professional secrecy and confidentiality contracts.
What is something confidential?
something confidential It is something that should not be disclosed freely, but rather deserves to be discussed in secret, among authorized or trusted people. . This term derives from the Latin voices with- (“next to”) and fidere (“trust”), so that if something is confidential, it is because it must be treated in a strict circle of trust, that is, it deserves confidentiality.
Confidential matters can be of a very varied nature, from matters of personal privacy or private family environment, to state secrets and business financial data. Anything that a person or organization would prefer to discuss privately can be considered a confidential matter.
The disclosure of confidential information is usually the cause of scandals, personal problems and disagreements. Especially when such information refers to particularly sensitive matters, such as secrets or incriminating data, or personal information that exposes someone to danger or public ridicule. That is why in the times of digital information and the Internet, confidentiality and The protection of sensitive data has become an issue of vital importance for society .
What is confidential information?
Confidential information consists, in a broad sense, of all data that deserves to be treated confidentially that is, they must be discussed in a strict environment of trust. This type of information can be very diverse, depending on the context in question, and may consist of information such as the following:
- Personal identification data such as document numbers, telephone numbers, personal addresses or social security numbers.
- Financial information or bank, such as account numbers, credit card numbers, available account balances or supporting documents of transactions carried out.
- Family matters and/or love affairs, such as names of former partners, marital status, information about the relationship or sexual preferences.
- Personal computer data such as Internet browser browsing records, passwords for social media accounts or messages sent via instant messaging.
Confidential information is distinguished from reserved information, which has a sensitive and confidential nature, but for a specific and pre-established time, that is, it loses its confidentiality over time.
The professional secret
Many jobs and professions involve the handling of confidential information, the disclosure of which is prohibited by professional secrecy. This means that the professional must provide his client with a space of confidentiality and sincerity. to access reliable information so they can do their job.
For example, a lawyer The defender must provide his client with confidence and confidentiality, to be able to listen to his version of the story and plan a better defense before the court. The lawyer cannot, then, divulge the things that his client has confessed to him, since they are covered by professional secrecy, and it would be unethical to betray that trust, even though this may be in favor of justice.
Something similar happens with the priests and priests, who should not divulge what was said under the secret of confession, or also with the doctors who should not disclose their patients' sensitive information, or at least not without their explicitly granted permission.
Confidentiality in computing
In the field of computing and information technology, we talk about confidentiality to refer to the protection of data exchanged between a sender and his or her receiver(s) through a computerized network . This means preventing access to information by third parties, such as hackers, malware, or other users.
To guarantee confidentiality, then, computer scientists use different defense systems and mechanisms, such as dynamic encryption and encryption (which can be understood as computer camouflage), surveillance programs (such as antivirus and antimalware) and programs to block illegal connections. (firewall or firewalls), among other cybersecurity measures. Even so, There is no computer system that is 100% secure. so Internet users are usually recommended to handle their confidential data with caution.
Confidentiality agreements and contracts
Confidentiality agreements or contracts, also called non-disclosure agreements, are a type of legal agreement that limits the ability of a person or entity to disclose certain information considered sensitive or confidential. This type of agreement creates a confidentiality relationship between the parties who undertake to comply with it under the law and, if they do not do so, they may suffer legal consequences.
The signing of a confidentiality agreement is common between companies or individuals involved in a political, commercial, industrial or technological relationship. Additionally, they can be:
- Reciprocals : both parties are obliged to remain silent.
- Unidirectional : only one of the parties is forced to remain silent.
References
- “Confidential” in the Language Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “Radication of the word Confidencial” in the Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary.
- “Confidentiality agreement” on Wikipedia.
- “What is confidential information?” at the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (Mexico).
- “What is confidential information?” at the Universidad Veracruzana (Mexico).
