What does the term "confidential" refer to in legal and security contexts?

In legal and security contexts, the term "confidential" refers to information that is secret or intended to remain secret. This type of information is protected from disclosure to unauthorized individuals or parties. The confidentiality ensures that sensitive information, such as client records, proprietary business details, or classified government data, remains secure and is only accessible to those who have the appropriate authorization or need-to-know basis.

Understanding the importance of confidentiality is crucial within legal and security frameworks, as breaches can lead to compromised personal privacy, loss of competitive advantage, or even legal repercussions.

In contrast, other options relate to different categories of information. Disclosure of information indicates a sharing or release of information, which contradicts the essence of confidentiality. Publicly accessible data is open for anyone to view and does not maintain any level of secrecy. Non-restricted information implies a lack of controls on access and is not synonymous with the protective measures implied by confidential information.