What does "confidentiality" mean in security practices?

Confidentiality in security practices refers to the principle of keeping sensitive information private to protect individuals' personal data and details about incidents. This includes not disclosing information that could compromise someone's privacy or the security of an organization. Upholding confidentiality ensures trust is maintained between security personnel and the individuals they serve, protects against unauthorized access to sensitive data, and adheres to legal and ethical standards regarding information handling.

While other actions, such as sharing information to improve team communication or documenting incidents, may have their own importance in security operations, they do not align with the core principle of confidentiality. Confidentiality focuses specifically on limiting access to sensitive information to authorized personnel only, thereby safeguarding it from public access and unauthorized discussion.