Confidenialitate

Confidenialitate is the principle and practice of keeping information secret or restricted to authorized persons. It encompasses policies, procedures, and technical measures designed to prevent unauthorized disclosure, loss, or alteration of data. The concept applies to personal data, professional communications, and organizational information, and it is a core aspect of information security and trust in many fields.

In legal and professional contexts, confidențialitatea is reinforced by laws, contracts, and professional duties. Data protection regulations, such as the European Union’s GDPR and national Romanian law, require organizations to safeguard personal data and to limit access to those with legitimate need. In healthcare, patient confidențialitate governs the disclosure of medical information. In legal practice, attorney‑client privilege protects communications between lawyers and clients. Businesses often use non‑disclosure agreements (NDAs) and security policies to formalize confidențialitatea.

Practices to maintain confidențialitate include access control, encryption, secure communication channels, anonymization where possible, and staff training on handling sensitive information. Technical measures are complemented by organizational controls, such as clear data handling procedures, incident response planning, and ongoing risk assessment.

Confidențialitate is not absolute; legal obligations, safety concerns, or regulatory requirements can mandate disclosure in certain circumstances. Distinctions exist between confidentiality (an obligation to protect information) and privacy (an individual’s control over personal data). Maintaining confidențialitate builds trust, supports compliance, and protects assets and reputation.